Immigration policy and law

New Zealand immigration laws provide a framework for us to manage immigration in a way that balances our national interests with our international obligations, protecting both New Zealanders and migrants.

Learn about the immigration policies and processes we use to make decisions about visa applications.

Internal Administration Circulars (IAC) give immigration staff information about our procedures and processes. We publish these circulars when they are developed. They generally provide clarity about the instructions contained within the New Zealand Operational Manual, but are not part of the Manual.

Advice to immigration staff helps them to interpret and apply immigration instructions in a fair and consistent way. We update this advice as immigration instructions and conditions change, and to reflect best practice.

Special directions are issued by the Minister of Immigration in the New Zealand Government on matters related to immigration.