S2.5 Procedure

1. Applicants must make the request in writing and must include the reasons why they consider they should be granted a special direction.

   Note: The request is not in itself an application for a visa. If an application for a residence class visa has not been made and the request for a special direction is granted, a formal application must follow.

2. Applicants overseas who request a special direction should make their request to the nearest INZ office or an authorised New Zealand Visa Application Centre or accredited MFAT post in their country of residence.
3. Applicants within New Zealand should make requests to an INZ office.
4. If the request is granted, applicants should be advised that a special direction will be made (and if necessary, a temporary visa granted under section 61 to allow the residence class visa application to be made) once they pay the fee for a special direction.
5. Applications for a residence class visa may then be processed in the usual way, once the appropriate application fee for the visa has been paid.
6. If a request is refused, neither the Minister of Immigration nor INZ is obliged to give reasons for any decision other than the fact that under section 11(c) of the Immigration Act 2009 he or she is not obliged to give reasons for refusing to make a special direction; and section 23 of the Official Information Act 1982 (concerning access for reasons for decisions) and section 27 of the Immigration Act 2009 do not apply.

Effective 02/12/2013