H5.5 Overview (to 17/06/2020)

Note: The instructions in this section cease to be effective from 18/06/2020

1. These instructions provide for the grant of a visitor visa or variation of conditions to people who wish to travel to New Zealand while the New Zealand border is effectively closed to all but essential travel.
2. Only a person who has been invited to apply for a visitor visa or variation of conditions may make an application under these instructions.
3. An immigration officer may invite a person to apply if they are satisfied based on the information available that the person meets the requirements to be granted a visitor visa or variation of conditions (see H5.20).
4. Applications must be made in the prescribed manner within 1 month of an invitation to apply.
5. A visitor visa or variation of conditions will be approved if an immigration officer is satisfied that the requirements set out at H5.20 for health, character, bona fides, having sufficient funds or sponsorship, and having a critical purpose for travel are met.
6. If an applicant applying under these instructions is required to work in New Zealand to assist the Government’s COVID-19 response, an immigration officer, in their discretion, may grant the applicant a work visa for an appropriate duration and with appropriate conditions.

Effective 02/06/2020