Update on E-visa and passport-free visa applications

​What is an E-visa and who is eligible for it?​An E-visa or electronic visa or label-less visa means that no paper visa label is put in your passport. You’ll receive an email with the details and conditions of your visa. Your visa will sit in an online system. Airlines, for instance have access to this system but it is advised that you always take the email that was sent to you with you.
 
When you are eligible for an E-visa you do not need to submit your passport with a visa application.
This makes the process faster and easier.
 
From 7 December 2015 the E-visa are available for:

• Student, Visitor and Work visa applications from visa waiver countries from applicants who are outside New Zealand and who apply online.
• Student, Visitor and Work visa applications from applicants who apply online to renew their visa while in New Zealand.

 
E-visa are not available for Chinese nationals yet.
 
E-visas will be available for more types of applications in the (near) future.What to do when your passport expires?Nothing changes when your passport expires. You get a new passport and you still have to transfer your visa from your old passport to your new passport. It is important that your visa details are linked to your current passport.
With an E-visa this is only done electronically and no paper label will be put in your new passport.
How can you prove to employers and other third parties, such as banks and health service providers what your visa status is?Firstly, you will have the notification that was emailed to you or your adviser. 
Secondly there is the Visa Verification Service or Visa View (depending on who wants to check your status). This is an online system where third parties can check your visa status. You, as the visa holder, must consent to any enquiry from a third party.