RV1.10 Lodging an application

RV1.10.1 Where to lodge an application

Applications under this chapter may be lodged at an INZ office or an authorised New Zealand Visa Application Centre; or made using an approved electronic form. Receiving Offices can be found on the INZ website.

RV1.10.5 How an application must be lodged

See also Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010, regs 5 and 23AA

1. Applications must be lodged in the prescribed manner.
2. The prescribed manner is the manner that meets the mandatory requirements set out in the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010.
3. Applications that are not lodged in the prescribed manner will not be considered to be made.
4. While under no obligation to do so, INZ may, at its discretion, hold applications that are not lodged in the prescribed manner for a period of time until any outstanding requirements are met (see R2.50).

RV1.10.10 Mandatory requirements for lodging an application for a variation of travel conditions, permanent resident visa or second or subsequent resident visa

See also Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010, regs 6 and 23AA

An application for a variation of travel conditions, a permanent residence visa or a second or subsequent resident visa made outside of an immigration control area must be:

1. made on an approved form; and
2. completed in English.
3. If making the application online, the applicant must:
   1. produce the information and evidence required by the relevant immigration instructions to demonstrate that the applicant fits the category or categories of under which the application is being made; and
   2. provide any other information, evidence, or submissions that the applicant considers shows that he or she is eligible to be granted a new residence class visa or variation of travel conditions in terms of the immigration instructions; and
   3. pay the appropriate fee (if any); and
   4. acknowledge in a declaration that:
      • the details supplied in support of the application are true and correct to the best of the applicant’s knowledge; and
      • if the applicant’s circumstances change before any visa is granted, or before the application is determined, the applicant will notify an immigration officer of the change.
4. Applications made other than on an online form must be signed by the applicant (unless the applicant is less than 18 years old, in which case it must be signed by a parent or guardian of the applicant) and given to an immigration officer together with:
   1. evidence of the applicant’s current or previous resident visa or visas; and
   2. the applicant's passport (or a certified copy) or certificate of identity (or a certified copy), or if that is unavailable, his or her original full birth certificate (or certified copy) or other identity document (or certified copy); and
   3. two passport sized photos of the applicant’s head and shoulders; and
   4. the information and evidence required by the relevant immigration instructions to demonstrate that the applicant fits the category or categories of under which the application is being made; and
   5. any other information, evidence, or submissions that the applicant considers shows that he or she is eligible to be granted a new residence class visa or variation of travel conditions in terms of the immigration instructions; and
   6. the appropriate fee (if any).
5. Before determining the application, an immigration officer may require the applicant to produce any photographs, documents and information that the officer thinks necessary or require the applicant to be interviewed by an immigration officer, to help in determining whether the applicant meets the requirements to be granted a variation of travel conditions or a new residence class visa.

Note: The list of applications that are required to be made online is available at www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/our-online-systems/applying-for-a-visa-online

Effective 29/01/2024