An interim visa allows a foreign national to remain in New Zealand lawfully, while they have a new temporary visa application processed.

People may be assessed for an interim visa if they:

• are in New Zealand
• hold a temporary visa, and
• have applied for another temporary visa that is accepted for processing by INZ. The types of temporary visa applications that will qualify for an interim visa assessment are work, student, visitor, military, diplomatic, consular and official visas.

Applicants for the following will not be eligible for an interim visa:

• residence class visas
• limited visas
• transit visas.

Interim visas are valid for 6 months from the day after the person’s previous temporary entry class visa expired, or 21 days in the event of their temporary visa application being declined, or until they depart from New Zealand — whichever is earlier. If their visa application is approved, the grant of this new visa will mean that the interim visa expires.

INZ will email or write to people granted an interim visa detailing the conditions of their visa.

Interim visas do not include travel conditions. This means that if someone travels outside New Zealand on their interim visa, it will be cancelled automatically, and they will not have a visa that enables them to travel to or return to New Zealand.

People cannot be granted a second interim visa for the same application if no decision is made on their temporary visa application by the time the interim visa expires (after 6 months). They will be unlawful and will need to make plans to leave New Zealand immediately.                                                                                                                  

There is no right of appeal against any interim visa decision.

Interim visa conditions