You may be wondering how some situations will affect your immigration status.

How do I transfer my resident visa or permanent resident to my new passport?

If you have a new passport and intend to travel out of New Zealand, you should make sure your visa is transferred. You cannot use your resident visa or permanent visa to enter New Zealand if it is in an expired passport. To transfer it to a new passport, you must complete the form Application for Transfer or Confirmation of Visa (INZ 1023) PDF and provide:

• the correct fee (see our Fees Guide (INZ 1028) PDF)
• your old and new passports.

What will happen if I apply for the wrong category?

There is a question at the end of each section of the form asking whether you give permission for us to assess you against the other categories.

If you give permission in this question, we will grant you the most favourable type of visa or travel conditions that you are eligible for, based on the information and evidence we have.  If you do not give this permission, you will only be assessed against the category you applied under.   We will always provide you with a chance to comment on potentially prejudicial information that could lead to your application being declined.

Can my application be declined?

You cannot be approved a permanent resident visa, variation of travel conditions, or second or subsequent resident visa if you do not meet the requirements explained in this section.

In addition, your application for a permanent resident visa or a second or subsequent resident visa will be declined if you do not meet the character requirements to be granted a visa.  The application form will require you to complete a character declaration stating if you have any convictions or other character issues of concern. Although police certificates will not normally be required, an immigration officer has the right to ask you to provide one as evidence you meet these requirements.

My husband (the principal on our residence application) and I are divorced – can I apply in my own right?

Yes. You may apply for a permanent resident visa, a variation of travel conditions or a second or subsequent resident visa in your own right. 

This situation is covered by one of the exceptions where family members can apply independently of the principal applicant. See our immigration instructions RV1.20 for further details.

What are section 49(1) conditions?

Section 49(1) conditions require you to meet certain requirements in order to keep your residence. Only certain categories result in resident visas subject to conditions. If your resident visa is subject to conditions, you will have been instructed on how to meet the conditions in your residence approval letter. Once you have provided INZ with evidence that you have met the conditions, they can be removed from your visa.