If I am travelling and won’t return before travel conditions on my resident visa expire, what can I do?

If you're travelling out of New Zealand and won't return before the travel conditions on your resident visa expire, there are a couple of options available for you.

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Option A: Apply for a permanent resident visa

You may be able to apply for a permanent resident visa from offshore. You must meet certain criteria and apply no later than 3 months after your residence visa expired.

It may be better to vary the travel conditions of your resident visa before yu depart New Zealand so they do not expire while you are away.

Apply for a permanent resident visa

Option B: Apply for a variation of travel conditions

If the travel conditions on your resident visa have expired, or will expire while you’re outside New Zealand, you may be able to apply for a variation of travel conditions.

Variation of travel conditions

Option C: Apply for a second or subsequent permanent resident visa

Apply within 2 years of your visa expiring and we can grant you travel conditions that will last 2 years from the day your visa expired. You will have the remaining time to return to New Zealand.

You must show us that you are still eligible for the visa and that you have complied with its conditions.

Second or subsequent permanent resident visa