A new Visa Application Centre will open in Nukuʻalofa on September 14, allowing people in Tonga to submit New Zealand visa applications and supporting documents through a dedicated face-to-face service.
Immigration New Zealand announced the centre today, saying it would provide applicants with easier access to visa services closer to home.
The centre will be operated by VFS Global on behalf of Immigration New Zealand and will be located on the ground floor of the General Post Office on Salote and Taufaʻahau Road.
It will accept paper visa applications and supporting documents, offer longer opening hours and allow customers to book appointments through the VFS Global Tonga website.
RSE applications compulsory
From September 14, all Recognised Seasonal Employer visa applications from Tonga must be submitted through the new centre.
Immigration New Zealand staff will be available during its opening weeks to assist customers submitting RSE applications.
The change is particularly significant for Tongan seasonal workers travelling to New Zealand under the RSE scheme, who will now be required to use the local centre when lodging their applications.
The service fee will be TOP$86 for general visa applications and TOP$43 for each RSE application. These charges are additional to any applicable visa application fee.
Applicants required to provide a scanned copy of their passport can also have it scanned at the centre, although an additional passport-scanning fee will apply.
Administrative services only
Immigration New Zealand stressed that the centre would provide administrative support only.
VFS Global staff cannot give immigration advice, assess applications or influence decisions on whether visas are approved or declined.
Applicants needing immigration advice will still have to consult Immigration New Zealand or a licensed immigration adviser.
Immigration New Zealand said the opening reflected New Zealand’s strong relationship with the Pacific and would make its visa services more accessible to people in Tonga.
Further information about submitting applications is available through Immigration New Zealand’s official announcement.
