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.
Live
- My partner was the principal applicant when we were granted residence but we have now separated
- I have a traffic offence in New Zealand
- I was granted residency on my Australian passport, but is has expired. Will this affect my status?
- I entered New Zealand on a UK passport, but now have an Australian Resident Visa
- My partner and I have ended our relationship. Does this affect my visa status?
- If I am travelling and won’t return before travel conditions on my resident visa expire, what can I do?
- I want to join my adult children and live in New Zealand
- How long can I travel or be away overseas?
- Can I get a refund of my residence application or expression of interest fee?
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.