General visitor visas and the requirement to be ‘bona fide’ – what does it mean?

The main reason why many applications for general (tourist) visitor visas are declined is that the applicant fails to demonstrate they are a ‘bona fide’ visitor intending a temporary stay. This means providing enough evidence to convince Immigration New Zealand that you have sufficient incentives to return to your home country at the end of your stay in New Zealand and will not overstay.

Bona fide is a Latin term meaning ‘genuine’, ‘real’, and ‘without intention to deceive’. Before a general category visitor visa can be approved, the applicant must show that their genuine and sole intention is to visit only, and they have no underlying or undeclared motives for entering New Zealand.

If the applicant is a direct blood relative of someone residing in New Zealand (e.g., their mother or father), getting a general visitor visa approved is relatively straightforward. Immigration New Zealand generally trusts that in such cases, there are fewer risk factors, as elderly parents typically want to visit their children briefly and then return home to fulfill their commitments.

However, for those who are not blood relatives, it’s more challenging. Unless the applicant is part of a tourist group (e.g., a family holiday or an organised tour) or has already been traveling in New Zealand and simply wants to extend their stay, Immigration New Zealand will expect substantial evidence of their intention to return home. A useful tip: return flight tickets can be helpful!

For individuals who are not in education, employment, or training (‘NEETs’) and lack assets or significant financial ties to their home country, proving this becomes much harder. This is especially true for women from countries like China, India, the Philippines, Afghanistan, etc., where it’s common for women to become housewives after marriage, sometimes with joint assets and bank accounts in the husband's name. Cultural differences between these countries and New Zealand can limit the type of evidence these women can provide.

If you’re considering applying for a visitor visa under the general category, take time to assess your circumstances and determine what evidence you can present to prove your intent to return home. When considering your application, Immigration will weigh personal, financial, employment, or other commitments in your home country against your potential ties to New Zealand. If there are stronger incentives for you to remain in New Zealand than to return home, your application is more likely to be denied.

It’s always a good idea to consult an immigration adviser to discuss whether applying for a general category visitor visa is the best option, depending on your plans. This is especially important in light of the NZ Visa Requirements and potential implications for New Zealand Residency if you plan to extend your stay or transition to another visa category.