English translations will be required for visitor visa supporting documents

From 17 June 2024, all supporting documents submitted with visitor visa applications to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) must be provided in English.

Applicants must provide a certified English translation of any documents in a foreign language.

Previously, applications including documents provided in a foreign language and with no translations could take longer to process.

Ensuring that documents for your visitor visa application are provided in English helps us process it more efficiently.

What documents need translation?

All supporting documents submitted with visitor visa applications must be provided in English or include an English translation.

Examples of documents that require translation can include:

• proof of funds — such as bank statements, pay records
• flight itineraries including return tickets
• proof of employment in your home country
• leave of absence documentation
• identity documents other than passports — for example, Hukou for Chinese nationals.

• reputable private or official translation businesses
• community members known for their accurate translations, excluding the applicant, family members, or their immigration adviser.

• a trustworthy person within the community
• known to translate documents accurately
• not an adviser on the application.