Policy Amendment Circulars
We regularly review and update the Operational Manual. We first publish these certified amendments as Amendment Circulars.
Use our online system to apply for selected visas or check visa details. Get help to use our online services.
We have enhanced Immigration Online. You can still access applications, documents or eVisas in the old system.
Immigration instructions are rules, criteria and requirements set out in the Operational Manual. People who want to come to New Zealand must follow these instructions to be granted a visa or entry permission.
We use immigration instructions to make decisions about visa applications.
The immigration instructions are contained in the Operational Manual, and include information about:
The Minister of Immigration certifies all immigration instructions.
The amendments to immigration instructions can be found in the amendment circular section of the website:
We will update the Operational Manual as soon as possible.
Operational Manual | Current online version
Operational Manual | Effective to 29 November 2010
The Manual is also available to view and download in sections:
Temporary Entry - Part one PDF 3MB
Temporary Entry - Part two PDF 2MB
Refugees and Protection PDF 1MB
We update immigration instructions regularly to reflect changes in government policy. The Minister of Immigration certifies all changes.
We include changes to instructions in the Amendment Circulars. These describe changes to the Operational Manual the Minister of Immigration has certified.
More information about our decision-making is available in:
You can subscribe to receive changes to immigration instructions (Amendment Circulars) by email. Include the name and address you want us to send the information to.
Subscribe to receive Amendment Circulars
We regularly review and update the Operational Manual. We first publish these certified amendments as Amendment Circulars.
Internal Administration Circulars (IAC) inform immigration staff on procedures and processes. We publish these as they arise. They generally provide clarity of the instructions contained within the New Zealand Operational Manual, although they’re not part of it.
We update advice to immigration staff monthly and publish the relevant information.