R7.10 Procedure for confirming or transferring a residence class visa

R7.10.1 Endorsement of residence status in passport or certificate of identity

See also Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010, reg 32

1. Applicants applying to have their residence status endorsed in their passport or certificate of identity (to confirm residence status or to transfer a visa to a new passport or certificate of identity) must make the application using the approved online or paper form for an Application for Transfer or Confirmation of a Visa, including any required evidence that they hold or are deemed to hold a residence class visa and the appropriate fee (if any).
2. If using a paper form, the applicant must also provide:
   1. their current (original) passport or certificate of identity; and
   2. their previous passport or certificate of identity (or a certified copy), if available.
3. If using an online form, the applicant must also provide:
   1. a scanned copy of their current passport or certificate of identity when submitting the form; and
   2. a scanned copy of their previous passport or certificate of identity, if available; and
   3. their current (original) passport or certificate of identity (to be sent to Immigration New Zealand after form submission).
4. Where their previous passport or certificate of identity was lost, stolen or damaged, applicants should provide evidence that it has been reported to the New Zealand Police (if lost or stolen) and/or their embassy or high commission, if available.
5. If applicants cannot provide proof of lawful residence, immigration officers must establish whether there is a file for the applicant in INZ records, and if so, they must check the file.

R7.10.5 eVisa transfer

1. Applicants applying to transfer their visa to a new passport or certificate of identity may request an eVisa instead of a physical label. An eVisa is a visa issued without a physical visa label in a passport or certificate of identity. If granted an eVisa, a visa approval letter should be issued which includes the appropriate visa details.
2. Applicants must provide the documents listed at R7.10.1(a) to (d), except that they may provide:
   1. a certified copy of their current passport or certificate of identity (instead of the original document required by R7.10.1(b)), if applying using a paper form; or
   2. a scanned copy of their passport or certificate of identity (instead of the original document required by R7.10.1(c)(iii), if applying using an online form.
3. Despite R7.10.5(b), Immigration New Zealand may require an applicant to provide their original passport or certificate of identity if needed to confirm the applicant’s identity.
4. No immigration fee or levy applies to replace a physical visa label with an eVisa or when transferring an eVisa from one passport or certificate of identity to another.

R7.10.10 Confirmation of residence status by letter

1. Applicants who wish to have confirmation of the date their residence was originally granted in the form of a letter may make a written request to the appropriate INZ receiving office (see the INZ website).
2. A letter confirming the date residence was originally granted must:
   1. be on letterhead; and
   2. give the applicant's full name, date of birth and the date residence was granted; and
   3. be legibly signed and dated by an immigration officer.

Note: No immigration fee or levy applies to confirm residence status by letter.

Effective 29/05/2023