All visitor visa applications to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) must now be provided in English or include an English translation.

Starting June 17, INZ says that applicants must provide a certified English translation for any foreign language document, SchengenNews reports.

The same also added that previously, applications including documents provided in a foreign language and without translations required more processing time.

Visa Application Documents That Need Translation

According to a recent statement issued by the authority, these are the types of documents that need translation during application:

• proof of funds such as bank statements, salary records
• flight itineraries, including return tickets
• proof of employment
• leave documentation
• identity documents other than passports – for example, Hukou for Chinese nationals

As the INZ explains, applicants can provide certified translations completed by reputable private or official translation businesses.

At the same time, they may also provide translations certified by community members known for their accurate translations, excluding the applicant, family members, or their immigration advisor.

INZ further noted that it also accepts translations from a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA) who is. It is noted that LIA is a trusted person within the community known for accurately translating documents rather than an application advisor.

INZ Does Not Accept Untranslated Visa Application Documents

On the other hand, INZ said that all those applications submitted without translated documents are likely to be accepted. Any translations completed by the applicant, family members, or an immigration adviser will not be accepted.

Moreover, in cases where INZ do not need an original document or its certified copy are in the following situations:

• if asked for uncertified copies in INZ form or a guide
• if a legible scan of the original document is submitted in the online form
• if a legible copy of the original document is submitted for a temporary entry visa

As of this month, the New Zealand passport is ranked 29th in the world .

As a result, New Zealand citizens have the right to travel visa-free to 148 countries worldwide. On the other hand, New Zealand passport holders must apply for a visa in advance to enter the remaining countries.