What can be used as evidence of residence status?
Knowledge base articles
- How do I get a New Zealand passport?
- Providing full birth certificates with applications
- Are there any special rules for Australian citizens and residents?
- Travelling to New Zealand on business
- Skilled Migrant Category - removal of section 49(1) conditions
- What is an 'open work visa', and how do I get one?
- What information can the Customer Service Centre release to an LIA or a lawyer?
- If I get a resident visa, how long do I have to move to New Zealand?
- What can be used as evidence of residence status?
- What is the visa status of a child born in New Zealand?
- Can I add my newborn child to my existing visa application?
- What can be used as evidence of work experience?
- Will I lose my New Zealand residence status if I travel abroad?
- What Fiji travel documents will Immigration New Zealand Suva Branch accept?
- I can't save details into my Expression of Interest
- Information for visitors travelling without a visa
- How do I obtain a New Zealand passport or citizenship?
- Can I enter New Zealand on a one-way ticket?
- Information on DNA testing
- Options for Religious Workers
- I am a Tour Guide coming to New Zealand with a Tour Group
The most reliable evidence of your residence status is an endorsement in your passport.
Every resident is issued with the following:
- (prior to 29 Nov 2010) a residence permit and a returning residents' visa (RRV); or
- (after 29 Nov 2010) a resident visa (RV), which may be subject to conditions, or a permanent resident visa (PRV), which has no conditions.
These can be in the form of a stamp issued by Customs, a label issued by Immigration New Zealand, or as an eVisa.
If for any reason these documents are not available to you, or you were granted a resident visa a long time ago, your alternative option is to request an official letter from Immigration New Zealand confirming your current status in New Zealand.
You have the option of submitting a Privacy Act request to request a letter with a statement of your immigration status (if this information exists on your file).
Request or change your personal information
If this information is not recorded on your file, you will need to apply for a confirmation of visa and pay the appropriate fee.
Confirmation of visa (INZ 1023)