2017-May 19: People intending to marry New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders in New Zealand
Visa Pak 310: Advice for staff on how applications based on relationships to New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders are assessed and guidelines that should be followed.
Visa Paks
- 08 March 2024 - Nursing Council providers for IQN theoretical and clinical exams
- 26 January 2024 - Mitigating the risk of visa applicants becoming unlawful
- 19 December 2023 - IELTS One Skill Retake - New option available to some IELTS test takers
- 19 December 2023 - Nursing Council changes to competency requirements
- 08 December 2023 - New AEWV longer visa durations and Maximum Continuous Stay
- 01 December 2023 - Visa Endorsements into Palestinian Passports
- 01 December 2023 - Request and PPI response dates during Christmas period
- 01 December 2023 - Immigration New Zealand position on s216
- 16 October 2023 - Process for managing challenging communications towards Immigration New Zealand staff
- 22 September 2023 - Clarification of the approach to crew changes for the Foreign Fishing Crew Approval in Principle (AIP)
- 29 September 2023 — Responding to false and misleading information — Introduction to the 25 September 2023 changes
- 1 September 2023 – Reminder on confidentiality obligations in respect of claimants, refugees, and protected persons
- 25 August 2023 — General visitor visas — ‘6 in 12’ versus ‘9 in 18’ month stay durations in New Zealand
- 7 July 2023 – Temporary entry of United Kingdom business persons under the New Zealand–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement
- 2 June 2023 - Immigration New Zealand position where IPT has made a s216 order
- 2 June 2023 - Temporary entry of UK Business Persons under the New Zealand - United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (NZ-UK FTA)
- 5 May 2023 - VAC Service Fee Increase
- 14 April 2023 - Children entering New Zealand for adoption (v3.25) and intercountry adoptions
- 17 March 2023 - General instruction on the order of processing Recovery Visas
- 3 February 2023 - Visa holders affected by international flight cancellations due to Auckland flooding
- 30 September 2022 - 2021 Resident Visa applicants granted multiple resident visas
- 9 September 2022 - Increase of significant-cost threshold in residence health instructions
- 22 July 2022 - Partnership applications where the applicant or supporting partner is already married or in a civil union with another person
- 11 July 2022 - Ensuring medical certificates are assessed against the correct criteria
- 1 July 2022 - 2021 Resident Visa applications: lodging with an expired passport
- 17 June 2022 - Update to Low TB Incidence Countries
- 17 June 2022 - Requesting a further chest x-ray certificate when assessing visa application
- 13 June 2022 - Event: 2022 All Blacks v Ireland rugby series
- 3 June 2022 - Medical and Police Certificate validity for applications that cannot be processed
- 27 May 2022 - Residence applications involving family members
- 20 May 2022 - Work rights for 18+ aged children included in a 2021 Resident Visa application
- 13 May 2022 - Reconnecting New Zealand and current visa holders
- 13 May 2022 - Applications for a Visitor Visa from the Pacific
- 8 April 2022 - First time resident visa holders travelling to New Zealand
- 4 April 2022 - Duration of special work visas granted for victims of family violence
- 14 March 2022 - 2021 Resident Visa applications – acceptable submission channels
- 7 March 2022 - Passport scan for onshore 2021 resident visa applicants
- 7 March 2022 - Reminder – Corresponding with LIAs Immigration Lawyers
- 25 February 2022 - Processing applications from people affected by events in Ukraine and Tonga
- 28 January 2022 - Recording and documenting phone interviews
- 28 January 2022 - Visitor Visa deployment into ADEPT – new and updated forms + updates to the INZ 1200 form
- 8 November 2021 - 2021 Resident Visa Announcement - Interim Processing Guidelines
- 19 November 2021 - Essential Skills Work Visa Applications: Removal of Undersupply Lists
- 15 November 2021 - Immigration Medical Examinations under COVID-19 Alert Level 3 Step 2
- 1 November 2021 - Talent (Accredited Employer), Long Term Skill Shortage List and Silver Fern Practical Experience Work Visa Categories Closed to Most Applicants
- 1 October 2021 - RSE border exception and changes relating to one-way quarantine free travel
- 01 October 2021 - Removal of oversupply and undersupply lists
- 17 September 2021 – Reconsideration Requests
- 17 September 2021 – Consideration of Anonymous Allegations
- 17 September 2021 – Alert Level 2 Changes and Response Timeframes Updated
- 9 September 2021 – Variation of Conditions Electronic Form
- 20 August 2021 – Alert Level Changes and Response Timeframes
- 20 August 2021 – 'Do Not Release' Commands in AMS
- 20 August 2021 – Processing Applications from People Affected by Recent Events in Afghanistan
- 13 August 2021 – Simplified Essential Skills Process – Partners and Dependents
- 3 December 2021 - Removal of HIV infection from the list of high-cost medical conditions
- 19 July 2021 – Changes to Essential Skills Work Visa Instructions
- 19 July 2021 – Exercise of immigration officer power and good decision-making
- 25 June 2021 – Operational Changes Preceding Introduction of Accredited Employer Work Visa Framework
- 4 June 2021 – Communication with Temporary Entry Class Visa Holders for Entry Eligibility from ‘Very High Risk’ Countries
- 21 May 2021 – WD3.5.1 Transitional Requirements Prior to 16 November 2020
- 23 April 2021 – Calculating Months Worked for the Working Holiday Scheme
- 23 April 2021 – Refund Requests for Unallocated Skilled Residence Class Visa Applications
- 16 April 2021 – Essential Skills Visas: MSD Review of Undersupply and Oversupply Lists
- 16 April 2021 – VAC Service Fee Increase
- 1 April 2021 – Student Visas and Work Rights
- 1 April 2021 – Sleepover Hours in the Aged and Residential Care Industry
- 26 March 2021 – Custody of Children under 16 Years of Age
- 26 March 2021 – Reinstating Standard Transit Visa Lodgement Requirements
- 19 March 2021 – Change in Immigration Contact Centre Operation Hours
- 26 February 2021 – Colombo and Tehran VAC Relocation
- 26 February 2021 – Visitor Visa Extension and Instructions Changes
- 26 February 2021 – Border Exception for International Students
- 12 February 2021 – New ANZSCO Dairy Roles and Task Descriptions
- 29 January 2021 – Certificates of Identity Issued by the Department of Internal Affairs
- 29 January 2021 – Best Practices when Communicating via Email with LIAs/Immigration Lawyers
- 29 January 2021 – One-way Quarantine Free Travel from the Cook Islands
- 29 January 2021 – Sydney Visa Application Centre moving to VAC Digital
- 22 January 2021 – Section 49 Conditions on Resident Visas under the Skilled Migrant Category
- 22 January 2021 – Centralisation of Business Migration Lodgements
- 22 January 2021 – Section 49 Conditions on Resident Visas: Varying or Removing, and Advice on Breaches
- 23 December 2020 – Update on Further Visa Extensions
- 23 December 2020 – Employer Assisted Work Visa Holders Extensions – Scenarios
- 23 December 2020 – Working Holiday Visa Extensions – Scenarios
- 17 December 2020 – WD3.5.1 Transitional Requirements – Amendment to Wording
- 17 December 2020 – Interpretation of Verification and Immigration Adviser Involvement
- 17 December 2020 – Immigration New Zealand’s Position Where IPT Has Made a s216 Order
- 17 December 2020 – Resolutions and the Clean Slate Act
- 17 December 2020 – Reminder: Contacting Customers and Immigration Advisers
- 4 December 2020 – Changes to the Undersupply List for Queenstown and the Lakes District Council
- 27 November 2020 – Information Request and PPI Response Dates during the Christmas and New Year Period
- 1 December 2020 – Consideration of Alerts and Warnings in AMS Assessment Notes
- 27 November 2020 – WD3.5.1 Transitional Requirements – Amendment to Wording
- 13 November 2020 – Offshore Partners and Dependent Children included in Residence Applications
- 29 October 2020 – Noumea VAC Closure
- 29 October 2020 – Special Directions: 2020/21 Horticulture and Viticulture Season
- 9 October 2020 – Special Directions for Offshore Resident Visas
- 9 October 2020 – Bali VAC Relocation
- 25 September 2020 – Temporary Entry and Residence Applications from Offshore Partners and Dependent Children
- 25 September 2020 – Visa Extensions in 2020 to Date
- 25 September 2020 – Special Direction: Visa Extension for Foreign Fishing Crew and Religious Workers
- 10 September 2020 – Special Direction: Visitor Visa Extension
- 31 August 2020 – Beijing VAC Relocation
- 31 August 2020 – Special Direction: Visa Extension for Partners and Dependents of Employer Assisted Work Visa Holders and RSE Workers
- 21 August 2020 – Panel Physician Availability: COVID-19 Alert Levels 2 and 3
- 07 August 2020 – Expectations for all Communication with Electorate Agents
- 07 August 2020 – Suspension of Overseas Visa Applications and Introduction of EOI Fees
- 07 August 2020 – Requests under Section 61A of the Immigration Act
- 05 August 2020 – Process for Managing Unacceptable Behaviour towards Immigration New Zealand Staff
- 31 July 2020 – Internal Amendments Circular 20/01
- 28 July 2020 – Special Direction: Visa Extension for Employer Assisted Work Visas
- 13 July 2020 – Special Direction: Visa Extension for Employer Assisted Work Visas and Low-Skilled Essential Skills Work Visa Reduction
- 16 February 2018 - Definition of “ongoing and sustainable employment” - Extension of fixed term employment
- 17 December 2021 - Mitigating the risk of Visa applicants becoming unlawful while awaiting a decision on their temporary entry class visa application
- 10 December 2021 - Information Request and PPI response dates during the Christmas and New Years period
- 17 December 2021 - Work rights for students pre- and post-course
- 26 June 2020 – Epidemic Management Notice Modification and Visa Extensions
- 23 June 2020 – Transit Visa Changes from 20 June 2020
- 16 February 2018 - Reminder on further visitor visas for people who are unable to return home due to circumstances in their home country
- 19 June 2020 – PPI letters and Request for Information (RFI) Return to Business as Usual
- 19 June 2020 – Offshore Visa Processing During Border Closure
- 16 February 2018 – Revised Essential Skills in Demand Lists - 2018
- 12 June 2020 – Declining or Withdrawing Applications for a Temporary Visa
- 18 May 2020 – Due Dates on PPI Letters and Requests for Information
- 13 May 2020 – COVID-19 and the Labour Market Test
- 6 March 2020 – Changes to NZQA Qualifications Recognition Services
- 21 February 2020 – Income Thresholds for the Skilled Migrant Category and Essential Skills
- 7 February 2020 – Updated Product Service and Contracts Contact Details
- 31 January 2020 – Medical Certificates for Refugee or Protection Status Claimants Applying for Temporary Visas
- 10 January 2020 – English Language Test: OET Test Results Corrections
- 10 January 2020 – Creating and Using AMS Warnings about Court Decisions
- 6 December 2019 - Duplicate AMS Identifies
- 6 December 2019 - Offshore Verification Contract
- 25 November 2019 - Beijing VAC Relocation
- 11 October 2019 - Requests for Change of First Entry Date on Temporary Entry Class Visas
- 11 October 2019 - Police and Medical Certificates for Work Visa Asylum Category Applications
- 11 October 2019 - Change to China Police Certificate Requirements
- 1 November 2019 - ANZSCO refresh
- 25 October 2019 - Religious Worker Work Visas
- 11 October 2019 - Amendment to the Interpretation of Specific Purpose Work Visa Instructions
- 20 September 2019 - Changes to the Complaints and Feedback System (CFS) to Support New Team Structure
- 20 September 2019 - Base Salary Threshold Clarification under WR1 Talent (Accredited Employers) Work instructions
- 20 September 2019 - Changes to Immigration Instructions Effective 7 October 2019
- 13 September 2019 - Implications of Recent High Court Decision
- 06 September 2019 – Complaints and Feedback: Shared Mailbox
- 09 August 2019 - Assessing Salary Threshold Under WR1 Talent (Accredited Employers) Work Instructions
- 09 August 2019 - Reminder Manual Correction of Interim Visa Expiry Dates in Decline Letters
- 30 August 2019 - VAC Email Addresses and VAC Rescan Report
- 30 August 2019 - Fingerprinting Services in New Zealand
- 23 August 2019 - Advice on ‘Nurseryperson’ and ‘Nursery Assistant’ occupations for Essential Skills and RSE
- 23 August 2019 - New Visa Application Centre in Ukraine
- 23 August 2019 - Additional AMS Payment Methods for Visa Application Centres
- 26 July 2019 - Working Holiday Visa Holders and Fixed-Term Employment Agreements
- 26 July 2019 - Registration Requirements – Work Visas
- 2 February 2018 - Assessing an employer’s compliance with employment legislation.pdf
- 2 February 2018 - Employment agreements – payment for public holidays.pdf
- 2 February 2018 - New offshore student visa approval rates for 2017 (Rule 18)
- 26 April 2016 — Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme — Advice on 'nursery person' positions
- 24 May 2019 — Beijing & Guangzhou Visa Application Centre Moving — Update
- 10 May 2019 — Self-employment on student visas
- 10 May 2019 — full reasons for decisions required when downgrading ANZSCO classification
- 10 May 2019 — Changes to the Essential Skills in Demand Lists
- 10 May 2019 — Change to onshore process for chest x-ray only examinations
- 10 May 2019 — Temporary visa applications for applicants in a relationship
- 21 June 2019 — Emirates escort process for obtaining visas
- 21 June 2019 — Eligibility for 90 day trial period
- 21 June 2019 — Assessing ‘bona fide applicant’ criteria — IAC 1309
- 19 January 2018 — Start dates and expiry dates for temporary entry visas where conditions are unchanged
- 19 January 2018 — NZQA International Qualification Assessment – Electronic Recognition Statement
- 19 January 2018 — Further visas under Post-Study work visa (Open) instructions
- 19 January 2018 — Visas based on a relationship
- 14 June 2019 — Indian VAC relocations
- 14 June 2019 — The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy and Electronic Travel Authority — Update
- 24 May 2019 — Custody of Filipino children under the age of 16 years
- 17 May 2019 — Beijing and Guangzhou Visa Application Centres moving
- 05 April 2019 — Variation of Conditions – Declared Labour Shortage in the Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay regions
- 03 May 2019 — Changes to Immigration instructions
- 03 May 2019 — Interpretation of Specific Purpose Work Visa Instructions
- 03 May 2019 — Ankara Visa Application Centre Move
- 12 April 2019 — Accepting credit card details from applicants
- 05 April 2019 — VAC Service Fee increase
- 05 April 2019 — Calculating Police and Medical Certificates for Temporary Visas
- 29 March 2019 — Letter for Overseas Filipino Workers with ‘Open Work Visas'
- 29 March 2019 — 2019 Samoan Quota and Pacific Access Category details
- 23 February 2018 — Complaints and Feedback – data entry errors
- 23 February 2018 — Teacher salaries
- 23 February 2018 — Substantial match to ANZSCO
- 22 March 2019 — Distinguishing nursery work from horticulture/viticulture work
- 15 March 2019 - Raising directed visa grants in AMS
- 8 March 2019 - Partnership Interviews for Residence Visa Applications.pdf
- 15 February 2019 - VOC – Declared Labour Shortage in the Hawke’s Bay region
- 15 February 2019 - Bush regenerators
- 8 February 2019 - Transitional instructions for partners of Essential Skills work visa holders
- 18 January 2019 - Assessing Salary under WR1 Talent (Accredited Employers) Work Visa instructions
- 18 January 2019 — Do not release commands in AMS
- 18 January 2019 — Trackwork Riders
- 3 November 2017: Visa Application Centre Refresher Training
- 3 November 2017: Immigration Instructions R5.115
- 3 November 2017: Relevance of R5.35 to Second or Subsequent resident visa applications under RV4.20.1 (a)(ii)
- 30 November 2018: Future dated visas and transitional PSWV instructions
- 16 November 2018: LMT - Streamlined process for the Mackenzie District
- 14 December 2018: Lawfully working out contractrual notice period
- 7 December 2018: Sydney Visa Application Centre moving
- 25 May 2018: Immigration instruction R5.115
- 1 June 2018: Upcoming increases to minimum income thresholds
- 11 May 2018: Tourism Industry Partnership MOU – India
- 11 May 2018: Variation of Conditions – Declared Labour Shortage in the Bay of Plenty
- 11 May 2018: Automatic client note creation when updating an address in AMS
- 27 July 2018: Australian Residents and Citizens who hold New Zealand temporary visas
- 13 July 2018: NZQA qualification assessment statements change to PDF
- 29 June 2018: Foreign deportees requiring transit through New Zealand
- 17 August 2018 — America's Cup 2021
- 8 October 2018 — Complaints and Feedback - revised version of INZ complaints and feedback policy and process
- 28 September 2018 — New Zealand Aid Scholars - change in name
- 28 September 2018 — Assistant Farm Managers
- 2 November 2018 — Information request and PPI response dates during the Christmas and New Year period
- 17 August 2018 — WD Post Study Work Visa changes
- 17 August 2018 — Transit visas for Russian nationals
- 2018-Mar 29: Statutory Complaints from the Office of the Ombudsman, the Privacy Commissioner and other commissioners
- 2016-Jul 22: Offshore Student Advisers
- 2016-Oct 07: Exceptions to Instructions for Domestic Students
- 2016-Oct 07: Visa waiver for Mauritius and Seychelles nationals
- 2016-May 27: Considering client alerts and warnings when assessing visa applications
- 2016-Aug 05: Update on medical referrals and actions underway
- 2016-Jul 29: Talent (Accredited Employers) Work Visa label conditions
- 2017-Oct 20: Change to counter operating hours – Nuku’alofa office
- 2016-Dec 02: Chengdu Visa Application Centre relocation
- 2016-Jul 01: Update on medical referrals and actions underway
- 2016-Jul 08: Completing Health and Character Tabs in AMS
- 2017-May 12: People applying for work visas under Essential Skills (ES), or residence under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), as Pharmacy Technicians
- 2017-Sep 29: TOEFL writing scores – error in Rule 18 table
- 2017-May 19: Work to Residence – Long Term Skill Shortage List work visa label conditions
- 2016-Jun 03: Character Waivers for temporary entry class visa applicants subject to A5.45 b.
- 2016-Aug 15: Course Start Dates on Offers of Place
- 2016-Aug 19: Market rates
- 2017-Jun 02: Requesting Further Medical Information
- 2016-Sep 02: New bilingual eVisa approval template letter for Offshore Chinese eVisa holders
- 2018-Apr 06: Variation of Conditions – Declared Labour Shortage in the Tasman Region
- 2017-Mar 17: Engineering, Engineering Technology and Information Technology Qualifications – Washington, Sydney and Seoul Accord information
- 2016-Jul 29: Disputing Medical Information – What to send to the MA (Clarification)
- 2018-Jun 15: PAYE payday filing replacing Employer Monthly Schedules/IR348s
- 2017-Sep 22: IAC 17-03 Guidelines on Privacy Act Principle 7
- 2017-Apr 21: International Qualification Assessment document requirement changes
- 2018-Mar 29: Updated Standard Operating Procedures – New Zealand Business Number
- 2016-Jun 10: Screening for tuberculosis – further x-ray certificate or testing required
- 2016-Dec 02: Minimum Income Threshold – Dependents of Essential Skills work visa holders
- 2017-Sep 15: Express Purposes for Limited Visas
- 2017-Aug 18: Newborn children of residence class visa holders
- 2016-Jul 15: SM7.20 Requirements for Employers – Determining Unacceptable Risk
- 2017-Jun 16: WD1 Post-study Employer Assisted work visas – ‘Relevance’
- 2016-Jun 10: New Zealand Drivers Licences – Genuine Attempts
- 2017-May 05: Essential Skills work visas allowing work in multiple locations and Approvals in Principle
- 2017-Jul 14: Subscribing to Internal Administration Circulars
- 2016-Sep 30: Transfer of Family Residence applications onshore from London Area Office
- 2016-Sep 02: Appointments needed at Pretoria Visa Application Centre
- 2016-Aug 15: Data Quality – Recording Police Certificate Details
- 2016-Aug 05: Changes to guardian requirements for students
- 2018-Mar 23: Change of Sponsor - Religious Worker Visa
- 2017-Oct 06: Timeframe for additional medical information
- 2017-Sep 08: Fingerprinting Services in New Zealand
- 2018-Mar 16: New working holiday scheme for Portugal
- 2016-Aug 15: New Zealand Qualifications Pre-August 2003
- 2017-Mar 10: Use of online translation tools
- 2018-Mar 23: Removal of passport stamps for New Zealand and Australian residents
- 2016-Oct 28: Changes to payment methods in India
- 2016-Nov 04: Offshore branches dealing with licensed and exempt people from the same company
- 2017-Jun 23: Dealing with visa applications supported by Accredited Employers holding both Labour Hire and Employer Accreditation
- 2017-Oct 27: Residence decline decisions
- 2018-Mar 23: New Zealand Couriers use of Contact Information
- 2016-Nov 11: Visa Application Procedures for Personnel Taking Part in Les Mills International’s Media Productions
- 2016-Jul 08: Contacting Panel Physicians
- 2017-Apr 21: List of Pathway Education Providers has been updated
- 2016-Aug 15: Recruitment Companies – Employment agreements and the requirements to be a direct employer
- 2017-May 19: People intending to marry New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders in New Zealand
- 2016-Jul 08: Onshore Panel Physician Network
- 2017-Mar 10: How to check information on New Zealand and National Certificates
- 2016-Jun 03: Dependants of Diplomatic/Consular/Official staff
- 2016-Jun 17: Interim Visas
- 2017-Mar 17: Vehicle Inspectors
- 2016-Nov 25: Recording people who provide a financial undertaking for a student visa application in AMS
- 2017-Sep 22: Reliance on step relationships when applying for temporary entry class visas
- 2016-Jul 29: Assessing Financial Sustainability
- 2017-Jun 30: Incorrect Employer Conditions on Visa Labels for District Health Boards
- 2017-Jul 07: Change in receiving office for applications from applicants residing in Qatar
- 2016-Oct 21: Offers of Place issued by Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic
- 2017-May 19: Assessing Essential Skills work visa applications – Substantial match to ANZSCO
- 2017-Feb 10: WI18 Primary Sector Trainees
- 2016-Jul 22: Receiving Section 61 Requests
- 2017-Jul 21: Dealing with employers who appear to have a connection to an employer included on the list of non-compliant employers
- 2016-Jul 01: New Standard Operating Procedures – printing residence labels for another office
- 2016-Jun 03: Partnership Category Guide
- 2016-Dec 09: Primary Sector Trainees – subsequent work visa restrictions
- 2016-Jun 17: Fixed Term Employment Agreements
- 2018-Mar 23: Variation of Conditions – Declared Labour Shortage across Hawke’s Bay – further extension
- 2016-Dec 02: Expression of Interest Draws for Skilled Migrant Category and Investor 2 Category
- 2017-Feb 24: Visa expiry dates – First entry for offshore applicants
- 2016-Nov 04: Linguis International Institute changing to Category Four status from 7 November 2016
- 2016-Jun 03: U8.20.1 Dependent children of Essential Skill work visa holders
- 2016-Aug 19: Pretoria Visa Application Centre Relocation
- 2016-Dec 16: Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Visa Requirements – Further Advice
- 2016-Nov 18: Reminder – University of Auckland Summer Research Scholarship Programme
- 2016-Aug 19: Skilled Migrant Category Bonus Points
- 2017-Jan 27: Closure of the Hamburg Visa Application Centre
- 7 July 2017 - Reminder – When to accept older versions of paper forms
- 2018-Mar 16: Variation of Conditions – Declared Labour Shortage across Hawke’s Bay
- 2017-Sep 22: Visitor visa process for people affected by the Auckland Airport Fuel Shortage
- 2016-Nov 04: Immigration Contact Centre – Key Messages to Staff
- 2017-Feb 24: Changes to qualification requirements on the Long Term Skill Shortage List
- 2017-Oct 27: Need to avoid ambiguity when imposing conditions on work visas
- 2016-Jun 03: Engineering and Engineering Technology qualifications – Washington Accord and Sydney Accord information
- 2016-Jul 01: Visas for Pre-Schoolers
- 2016-Aug 26: Acceptable reasons for fixed term employment agreements
- 2017-Jun 02: Employment Agreements and the Minimum Wage Act
- 2016-Jul 29: Onshore lodgement of applications that should have been submitted offshore
- 2017-Aug 25: Future Dated Visas
- 2016-Jul 01: New industry partnership with the Bank of China for visitor visas
- 2018-Jun 15: Clarification regarding holiday pay and payments for work already undertaken
- 2017-Jul 07: Change in processing office for temporary entry applications in the Middle East South Asia region
- 2017-Feb 10: Changes to the Essential Skills in Demand Lists
- 2016-Aug 05: Original Police Certificates
- 2017-Sep 01: Residence applications – police certificates previously submitted to Immigration New Zealand
- 2016-May 27: Character Issues arising from Medicals
- 2016-Dec 09: Skilled Migrant Category – Identified Future Growth Area Bonus Points
- 2016-Oct 07: Visa changes for South African nationals
- 2017-Aug 04: Pay Rates for Snow Sports Instructors
- 2016-Jul 01: Duration of Temporary Visas for Partners of New Zealand Citizens and Residence Class Visa Holders
- 2018-Jun 22: Situation of secondary applicants included in residence applications if principal applicant dies
- 2017-Jan 20: Pressure Deciding Visa Applications
- 2018-Jun 15: Foreign deportees requiring transit through New Zealand
- 2016-Dec 09: Centralisation of Requests for Approval in Principle
- 2017-Sep 29: Reminder that applicants applying to work as Pharmacy Technicians must hold the National Certificate in Pharmacy
- 2017-Aug 11: Changes to the Canterbury Skills Shortage List August 2017
- 2017-Jan 13: Expressions of Interest – English language requirements
- 2017-Apr 21: United States of America Police Certificates issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation or an Approved Channeler
- 2014-May 09: Partnership Applications – Cultural Differences
- 2015-Jun 05: Purpose of Entry
- 2015-Dec 11: Changes to SOPs - application lodgement, storing, and passport scanning
- 2016-Apr 01: Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers – Visa Requirements
- 2013-Apr 26: Assessing character
- 2015-Jul 03: Assessing applications from Quakers under Religious Worker Instructions
- 2012-Mar 30: Sponsorship and onshore extensions (temporary entry)
- 2015-Aug 07: Work Visas for Canterbury Region
- 2015-Jul 31: Transfer of SMC EOI work to NADO
- 2013-May 24: Employers who are unlawful
- 2016-Feb 05: Clarification on who can authorise a new border alert, travel document alert or branch warning
- 2015-Dec 11: Entry to New Zealand for the purpose of culturally arranged marriage – V3.35
- 2011-Oct 07: Residence and onshore temporary decline letters
- 2015-Aug 14: Suspended deportation liability: Inability to progress to PRV
- 2013-Jun 14: Special Direction to Suspend Visa-Waiver Status
- 2015-Jun 05: Variation of Conditions
- 2012-Feb 24: Authority to study clarification – SMC 14.10 note
- 2015-Jun 05: Partnership based temporary visa applications with minimal evidence
- 2014-Jul 04: Status of Children born while their parent(s) hold interim visas
- 2016-Apr 29: Changes to the Canterbury Skill Shortage List
- 2013-Mar 28: Discretionary fee waivers
- 2011-Aug 05: Sponsorship (cost recovery process enabled)
- 2016-Apr 01: Essential Skills – Skills Match Report mandatory for low-skilled occupations from 11 April 2016
- 2016-May 20: Approval in Principle Letters for Student Visa Applications
- 2012-Dec 14: Study to Work qualification requirements
- 2011-Nov 04: Granting visas with start dates in the future
- 2014-Oct 03: Variation of Conditions fee waiver
- 2014-Jul 11: Requirements for Employment Agreements
- 2016-Jan 15: Conclusion of the Export Education Industry Partnership Pilot
- 2014-Oct 10: Client Complaint Resolution Process timeframes
- 2015-Apr 10: WS6 Performing Artists, Entertainers and Entertainment Industry Workers
- 2016-Jan 22: Fingerprinting Services in New Zealand
- 2016-Apr 08: Processing Expired Medical Certificates
- 2016-Apr 15: Duration of visa - Workers in the entertainment industry
- 2015-Jun 19: Processing applications with Employer Improvement Notices
- 2015-Jul 28: IAC 11/09 replaced by E7.15 Potentially prejudicial information
- 2014-Jan 10: Transferring files between offices
- 2013-Jul 05: Dependent children of Essential Skills work visa applicants
- 2014-Oct 24: Issuing visas for childcare
- 2015-Oct 30: SMC points increase for skilled employment outside Auckland
- 2015-Aug 14: Rights of appeal in clients’ letters
- 2015-Oct 30: AMS alerts relating to debts with District Health Boards
- 2012-Jan 27: Temporary Entry Class Visa Applications: Recording consideration of Exceptions to Policy
- 2012-Apr 05: Pilot licences
- 2011-Nov 04: Events
- 2013-Dec 06: V2.25 Outward travel
- 2014-Jun 13: Supporting migrants and employers of migrants in aged care
- 2013-May 24:Best practice for specifying the “express purpose” on limited visa labels
- 2011-Jun 10: Temporary entry health requirements instructions
- 2016-Apr 08: Closure of the Vladivostok Visa Application Centre
- 2015-Mar 27: Best practice for recording police certificate details in AMS
- 2015-Sep 18: Checklist for Minimum Employment Standards
- 2015-Apr 03: Assessing fees for ITA letters
- 2015-Aug 14: Privacy/OIA Requests Releasable Information
- 2011-Dec 02: Lodging residence applications - updated advice
- 2015-Oct 02: Exceptions to Instructions for Work Visas where an Entrepreneur Residence application is pending
- 2014-Mar 21: Character questions for Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) and Second or Subsequent Resident Visa (SSRV) applicants
- 2015-Aug 14: Completing the Determination tab for Essential Skills and Skilled Migrant Category applications
- 2013-Jul 19: IRD numbers for RSE workers - Reminder
- 2015-Nov 06: Variations of conditions and the notice period of existing employment
- 2014-Oct 24: Inclusion of partners in temporary entry class visa applications
- 2015-Oct 16: Health Requirements for Fee Paying Foreign Students
- 2016-Mar 24: Expired Medical Certificates
- 2014-Dec 05: Residence and onshore temporary decline letters
- 2013-Mar 28: Dependent Child - Residence
- 2016-Jan 29: Reminder – Conclusion of the Export Education Industry Partnership Pilot
- 2013-Apr 12: Travel Documents failing the Checksum Digit Test
- 2012-Oct 19: Australian citizens and residents applying for PRV
- 2015-Mar 27: PPI deadline dates and decision making
- 2014-Oct 10: Reminder about workers in the entertainment industry
- 2011-Dec 09: Locum tenens registration period
- 2014-Mar 28: Work to Residence applications replaced by Essential Skills applications
- 2013-Apr 19: WD Applications
- 2014-Jul 31: LTSSL Requirements for Engineering Qualifications
- 2015-Aug 21: CCRP Review
- 2013-Nov 15: Parent Category – Sponsor’s income
- 2013-Jun 21: Parent Category residence conditions
- 2014-Mar 28: Ban on the grant of visas to individuals associated with the Ukraine crisis
- 16 October 2015 - Presentation on temporary entry partnership options
- 2015-Feb 27: Installers and servicers of specialised machinery or equipment
- 2014-Aug 22: Parent, Sibling and Adult Category applications (pre 16 May 2012)
- 2015-Mar 13: Essential skills work visas allowing work in multiple locations
- 2012-Apr 13: AMS alerts/warnings
- 2015-Nov 13: Character waivers and driving with excess alcohol (temporary entry)
- 2013-May 10: Work visa requirements for health eligibility
- 2015-Jan 23: Variations of Conditions (VOC) – Labour Market Test Requirements
- 2014-May 02: Declining residence applications under SM3.5
- 2015-Jun 26: Essential Skills instructions changes – Canterbury rebuild
- 2016-May 13: Process for reallocated applications
- 2015-Oct 02: Citizens Advice Bureau advice to visa applicants
- 2011-Oct 21: Notes in AMS for full fee paying students
- 2016-Apr 29: Fees payable when application lodged
- 2014-Oct 03: Department of Conservation volunteers
- 2013-Dec 20: Migrant Levy
- 2011-Nov 18: Deferral of a residence application involving a partner
- 2011-Jun 03: Experience - not gain or reward, and not a lawful primary purpose
- 2014-Dec 12: Parent Category applicants claiming they have no dependent children because their children are not totally or substantially reliant on them for financial support
- 2013-Dec 20: Accepting applications for lodgement from excluded persons - Update
- 2016-Apr 22:Work rights for students – summer vacation and scheduled breaks
- 2013-Mar 22: Variation of Conditions – Temporary entry class visas
- 2015-Aug 28: Applications requiring a Fijian police certificate
- 2014-Jun 06: Documenting migrant exploitation
- 2013-Nov 08: Owners and crew of super yachts instruction V3.81
- 2013-Nov 29: Assessing NZAP scholarship student visa applications
- 2016-Jan 29: Assessing Applications for Beekeepers
- 2012-Oct 12: Restricted building work
- 2012-Nov 02: Fiji police certificates
- 2015-Apr 17: Limited visas for people who intend to study and post-study work visas
- 2012-Jul 06: Waiving visa application fees for events
- 2012-Mar 30: Migrants affected by industrial action
- 2014-Dec 05: Privacy Act Requests and Immigration Advisers
- 2015-Oct 02: Work and Income advice for low-skilled Essential Skills work visa applications
- 2014-Oct 10: Pre-purchase of ESOL tuition
- 2015-Aug 07: AMS Notes
- 2014-Nov 21: Temporary entry partnership assessments
- 2013-Apr 26: EOI Refunds
- 2012-Feb 17: Christchurch reconstruction
- 2013-May 31: Evidence of maintenance funds for school children
- 2013-Jun 21: Special Direction to suspend visa-waiver status - additional information
- 2015-Jul 10: Changes to the labour market test for the Queenstown region
- 2013-Nov 22: Reminder to refuse requests for extensions to ITAs
- 2015-Apr 10: Consequences of section 157 Deportation Liability Notices
- 2016-May 20: Work Visa Requirements for Publicly-Funded Health Services
- 2012-Oct 05: Parent Category queries
- 2016-May 13: Reminder on confidentiality obligations in respect of claimants, refugees and protected persons
- 2016-Mar 18: Notifying applicants of a declined residence decision and what it means for their appeal rights
- 2015-Jul 03: Interpretation of Work-to-Residence instruction WR1.5(c)
- 2015-Oct 30: New recruitment service for NZ hospitality industry that includes a LMT report
- 2016-Jan 15: Immigration Legislation Hierarchy
- 2012-Jan 13: Granting work visas to approved refugee claimants/asylum seekers who have not yet applied for and/or been granted residence
- 2016-Apr 22: Argentinian Police Certificates
- 2014-Feb 07: Permanent Resident Visa - Base Established in New Zealand
- 2013-Aug 23: Tier One Parent Category sponsors on Parental Leave
- 2011-Dec 09: Delegated power under section 384(1) of the Immigration Act 2009
- 2011-Jul 15: Adding AMS client - Christchurch reconstruction - to all relevant applications
- 2015-Jan 23: Limbo Day – Expiry of a visa
- 2016-Feb 05: Labour Market Test and Skills Match Report Advice
- 2014-Aug 15:Recruitment Companies
- 2012-Apr 27: Deciding Temporary Entry applications
- 2011-Jun 03: Scanned signatures for medical and X-Ray certificates and from immigration advisers [Outdated for eMed users]
- 2015-Feb 27: Canterbury Skills and Employment Hub letter of engagement
- 2014-Dec 05: U3.30 (a)iii – Programme approval for year 7 and 8 students
- 2013-Aug 02: Application for transfer or confirmation of a visa
- 2011-Nov 04: Copies of offers of place letters for universities and polytechnics; wording in offers of place for PhD students
- 2015-Feb 05: High-end music acts with more than 10 participating artists/crew
- 2015-Feb 20: Minimum Guaranteed Working Hours for Work Visa Applications
- 2014-Aug 29: Changes to definition of “ongoing and sustainable employment"
- 2012-Jul 06: Applications from resident or former resident visa holders
- 2014-Nov 21: E3.10 and E3.11 instruction changes
- 2015-Jul 17: ANZSCO guidance
- 2015-Jul 31: Immigration changes announced
- 2014-May 09: Medical referrals when the medical has been destroyed
- 2012-Oct 05: Suspending the processing of a residence visa application under S169
- 2013-May 10: LIA feedback on complaints about immigration advisers
- 2014-Dec 24: Clarifications on personal income requirements to sponsor parents under Family Parent Category
- 2013-Dec 20: Process for identifying deportation liability arising from criminal offending
- 2014-Dec 05: Kiribati adoptions compliant with NZ adoption law
- 2015-Feb 13: Character waivers and driving with excess alcohol (temporary entry)
- 2015-Feb 20: U3.10 Acceptable evidence of paying tuition fees
- 2013-Jan 18: Granting Temporary visas on compassionate grounds
- 2014-May 09: Contacting Customers and Immigration Advisers
- 2015-Oct 30: Who needs to complete INZ1160 Immigration Adviser Details form
- 2015-Jul 03: Process for when a visa label has been endorsed in the incorrect passport
- 2011-Nov 05: Notifying Resolutions of a significant change to a client’s status
- 2015-Dec 04: Market Rates
- 2016-Jan 22: Student and Trainee Work Visas for Religious Trainees
- 2013-Feb 01: When a student visa is not required U2.5
- 2014-Apr 04: Exchange Students - Reminder
- 2013-Mar 28: Work Visas issued under an AIP
- 2013-Nov 29: Accepting applications for lodgement from excluded persons
- 2013-Mar 22: Invitation To Apply – Unlawful persons
- 2012-Feb 17: Requests under the Privacy Act 1993 by lawyers and licensed advisers
- 2014-Oct 10: Deciding applications under Sections SM3.5 and F4.10.5
- 2013-Oct 11: Can people claim asylum at any INZ Office or VAC
- 2015-May 08: Immigration Amendment Bill (No. 2)
- 2015-Feb 20: Aviation Student Instructions – U6.35.5
- 2014-Mar 21: Exploitation of Workers
- 2014-May 30: Dependent Children of NZ Aid Programme (NZAP) Students – Evidence of Funds
- 2015-Dec 11: Variation of Conditions – Declared Labour Shortage
- 2011-Jun 10: Military visas for contractors employed by visiting military forces
- 2015-Feb 20: WD – Study to Work
- 2016-Mar 18: 2016 Samoan Quota and Pacific Access Category
- 2014-Dec 05: Study entitlement for Working Holiday Scheme work visa holders
- 2012-Nov 23: Breaches of the Privacy Act
- 2016-Jan 29: Employment Agreements – Minimum Standards
- 2011-Apr 15: Assessing work on completion of study, with an offer of employment
- 2016-Mar 24: Closure of the Los Angeles Visa Application Centre
- 2015-Aug 14: New and Improved Dairy Guides for Migrants and their Employers
- 2013-Aug 09: Foreign language requirements
- 2014-Jul 25: Minimum Wage and Employment Agreements in the Agricultural Industry
- 2014-Jun 27: Student visas for dependents of workers
- 2014-Jul 11: Personal details on a visa or endorsement must match the holder’s passport
- 2011-Dec 02: Situation of residence applicants who are liable for deportation
- 2014-Mar 07: Changes to label conditions
- 2016-Feb 26: Assessing online applications for clients who are from visa waiver countries
- 2015-Feb 27: Medical Assessor Referrals – School aged applicants applying for visitor visas
- 2012-Oct 26: WD1 – Graduate Work Experience – ‘Relevance’
- 2016-Apr 08: Revised Essential Skills in Demand Lists
- 2011-Nov 11: Business visitors – entertainment industry
- 2011-May 20: Certifying documents
- 2015-Aug 21: Assessing Skilled Employment following a Job Search Visa Deferral
- 2016-Apr 29: Reminder on Medical Referrals
- 2012-Aug 17: Temporary Entry: Duration of Partnership – Duration of Visa
- 2012-Dec 14: Licenced Immigration Advisers working for multiple companies
- 2013-May 03: Assessing character update
- 2011-Feb 11: Add warnings on AMS for New Zealand Aid Programme (NZAP) students
- 2013-May 10: Prioritising residence applications
- 2011-May 13: Update on Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) instructions
- 2015-Dec 11: Qualifications subject to recognition by Maritime New Zealand
- 2014-Aug 15: Direct employer – Essential Skills and AIPs
- 2011-Jul 08: Section 41 and Visitor Visa approval letters
- 2011-Oct 28: Processing of work to residence applications
- 2013-May 17: Exceptions to instructions
- 2011-Aug 19: Talent (Accredited Employers) Work Instructions
- 2014-Mar 21: Information provided by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
- 2013-Jun 07: S169 (3) Effect of being liable for deportation
- 2013-Sep 06: NZQA list of tertiary education organisations exempted
- 2016-Apr 01: Essential skills work visas multiple locations (specific to the Canterbury region)
- 2015-Nov 06: 2015-Nov 06: Immediate Skill Shortage List Occupations and the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations
- 2016-Apr 01: Cancelling temporary entry class visas
- 2011-Feb 18: Doctors applying for work and residence visas with Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) letter of eligibility for registration
- 2014-Aug 08: Reminder for parents and guardians to sign applications made by applicants who are under 18
- 2016-Jan 15: Labour Hire Employer Accreditation
- 2011-Aug 05: Deportation costs to be repaid before person can enter New Zealand
- 2016-Jan 29: Henderson Counter Closure and UKVI Biometrics Arrangements in Auckland
- 2014-Jul 04: Work Rights for people studying on Limited Visas
- 2016-Feb 12: Queenstown Lakes Occupation Exemption List
- 2013-Jul 12: Operations Support – Agricultural trainees
- 2012-Feb 24: Interim visas – appeal rights and system issues
- 2014-Jan 10: New Zealand Citizens applying for PRVs
- 2015-Mar 06: Documenting Decision Rationale
- 2015-Mar 06: Privacy Act and Official Information Act requests in response to Potentially Prejudicial Information letters
- 2013-Aug 23: Warnings (including alerts) placed against advisers/lawyers
- 2015-Jul 31: New powers under s293A of the Immigration Act 2009
- 2015-Aug 21: Label-less visa (E-visa) – transfer/replace and confirmation
- 2014-Jan 10: Saudi Chaperones
- 2013-Aug 30: Variation of Conditions – temporary entry class visas - further advice
- 2015-Aug 21: Change in receiving office for Family and Humanitarian Residence applications currently lodged at New Delhi Office
- 2012-Apr 27: Branch warning and alerts
- 2014-Mar 07: Medical re-referrals – Lawyers/Immigration Advisor comments for re-referral
- 2014-Jan 17: Privacy Breaches – Data Entry
- 2014-Feb 14: University Lecturers – Bonus Points Under SMC
- 2015-Aug 21: Visa Label Conditions for employment in Canterbury and Labour Hire Companies
- 2013-Dec 20: Non Cash Benefits – Letter to Federated Farmers
- 2014-Oct 31: Further visitor visas for people who are unable to return home
- 2011-Aug 19: Canadian police certificates
- 2013-Jul 05:Section 210(ii) and s216 (ii) of The Immigration Act 2009
- 2015-Mar 27: Definitions to key terms to support the labour market test for essential skills work visas
- 2011-Jun 17: Complaints and Feedback process and Ombudsmen Act complaints
- 2015-Apr 24: Assessing length of permitted stay in New Zealand as a visitor
- 2014-Apr 04: File Transfers
- 2014-Aug 15: Education status of children when waiting outcome of an IPT appeal
- 2015-Sep 18: Interim Visa Conditions following a Section 61 Visa
- 2014-Jun 06: Recognised Qualifications
- 2013-Jun 28: RV2.5.20 – The meaning of “occupy”
- 2015-Oct 16: AMS Notes
- 2012-Jun 22: Use of the ESOL tuition contract template letter
- 2012-Oct 12: Assessment of dependent children for residence
- 2015-Jul 10: Final Decision Date for Declined Residence Applications
- 2014-Dec 12: Applications from failed refugee claimants
- 2013-Mar 28: English language students
- 2014-Mar 14: Correct recording of Police certificates in AMS
- 2012-Jan 20: Confirmation of Visa
- 2013-Feb 01: Who may be included in a visitor visa application
- 2014-May 09: Acceptable forms
- 2014-Jun 13: Religious Worker Instructions
- 2012-Dec 14: Religious Worker instructions
- 2012-Apr 27: AMS determination data
- 2013-Oct 04: Performing Artists, Entertainers and Entertainment Industry workers
- 2016-May 20: Removal of Assistant Herd Manager and Herd Manager from the Immediate Skill Shortage List
- 2014-Jun 13: Label issuing at Singapore Office
- 2014-Dec 12: Meaning of "material information" – in the context of character requirements
- 2013-Jul 12: Privacy Act Requests for Ministerial Files
- 2014-Aug 08: Short Term English Language Studies Visitor Visa
- 2015-Nov 13: Skilled Migrant Category and Investor 2 Expression of Interest selection dates
- 2015-Mar 13: Processing culturally arranged marriage applications
- 2014-Jun 27: U3.30 – Guardian requirements for students
- 2012-Apr 27: Residence Partnership – periods of separation
- 2014-Feb 07: Official Co-Production - WS6
- 2015-Oct 02: Deportation costs to be repaid before person can enter New Zealand
- 2013-Aug 23: New University Transfer Programmes offered by UCIC
- 2016-Feb 26: Reminder on further visitor visas for people who are unable to return home due to circumstances in their home country
- 2016-Mar 11: Definition of Commercial Sexual Services under instruction E7.40
- 2015-May 08: Using Advice from NZQA
- 2011-Jun 03: Scanned signatures from immigration advisers and lawyers exempt from licensing
- 2014-Aug 29: Variation of conditions and the requirement to submit an Employer Supplementary Form
- 2012-Apr 05: Studying on a visitor visa in New Zealand
- 2016-May 06: Tongan “Spent Conviction” Police Certificates
- 2013-Jun 21: Situation of residence applicants who become unlawful
- 2011-Jun 03: Justice of Peace - stamps not mandatory on certified or witnessed document
- 2015-Apr 10: Chest x-ray films forwarded to the Health Assessment Team
- 2015-Sep 18: ADS Group Visa applications
- 2014-Oct 31: Eligible New Zealand citizen or resident partner and domestic violence – Partnership Category
- 2015-Mar 13: Assessing Work to Residence Applications
- 2016-May 13: Closure of the Immigration New Zealand Singapore
- 2015-Feb 27: Suspended deportation liability and ability to sponsor and/or support family members
- 2016-May 20: Advice Regarding Adoptions
- 2014-Jul 18: Educational Exchange Programmes
- 2012-Apr 20: Best Practice Requirements of E4.5 - Partners and dependent children of temporary entry class visa holders
- 9 February 2018 — Status of children born in New Zealand and applying for travel conditions
- 9 February 2018 — Work rights for holders of student visas valid until 31 March
- 9 February 2018 — Skills Match Report for higher-skilled ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 occupations
- 2 February 2018 - Updating addresses in IDMe.pdf
- 1 December 2017 - Deductions from wages and salary
- 14 October 2016 — Chefs — Long Term Skill Shortage List and assessing substantial match under ANZSCO
- 20 November 2015 - Who is the employer — Legal entities and work visa conditions
- 14 September 2015 - Funds or sponsorship requirements for applicants under special visitor categories
- 14 September 2015 - Assessing Essential Skills applications following an Approval in Principle request
- 29 September 2023 — Responding to false and misleading information — Managing applications in progress
19 May 2017
People intending to marry New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders in New Zealand
Despite a lot of guidance being provided previously on assessing temporary visa applications based on partnership, or intended partnership (marriage) with a New Zealand citizen, or residence class visa holder (see below) Operations Support continues to get complaints from immigration advocates. Many complaints arise through the use of terms, and application of requirements, that are only relevant to couples already in a partnership rather than an intended partnership by marriage. There are also complaints as to how bona fides are assessed. This is disappointing given the guidance already provided on this.
Previous Guidance
Below is a list of the relevant advice to staff. The guidance contained in them is publically available on the Immigration New Zealand website here: Policy and Process advice for staff
- Processing culturally arranged marriage applications - Issue 202 - 13 March 2015
- Partnership based temporary visa applications with minimal evidence - Issue 214 - 5 June 2015
- Presentation on temporary entry partnership options - Issue 233 - 16 October 2015
- Entry to New Zealand for the purpose of culturally arranged marriage - V3.35 - Issue 240 - 11 December 2015
- Partnership Category Guide - Issue 262 - 03 June 2016