W2.15 Funds and sponsorship requirements

Immigration Act 1987 s 28(1)
Immigration Regulations 1999 reg 21

1. Unless specifically stated otherwise applicants for work visas and permits must have:
   1. a proposed salary that a visa or immigration officer considers sufficient to cover maintenance and accommodation; or
   2. a guarantee of maintenance and accommodation by their employer for the currency of the permit; or
   3. sufficient maintenance and accommodation for the currency of the permit; or
   4. sponsorship by a relative or friend in New Zealand who must be:
   • a New Zealand citizen; or
   • a holder of a New Zealand residence permit without requirements imposed under section 18A of the Immigration Act 1987; or
   • exempt under section 12(1) of the Immigration Act 1987 from having to hold a permit.
2. In certain cases, officers with schedule 2 delegations and above are authorised to waive, by special direction under regulation 3(7) of the Immigration Regulations 1999, the requirement for evidence of funds and/or sponsorship.

W2.15.1 Evidence of sufficient funds

Evidence of sufficient funds includes but is not limited to:

• cash
• New Zealand bank accounts showing current balance
• travellers' cheques
• bank drafts
• recognised credit cards with sufficient credit available
• for group visas, certification from a reputable travel agency.

W2.15.5 Sponsorship

1. Sponsors must guarantee for the currency of the permit any or all of the following:
   • maintenance
   • accommodation
   • repatriation.
2. Sponsored applicants must provide:
   1. evidence of the sponsor's ability to meet their financial obligations (if necessary, visa and immigration officers may require sponsors to complete a Sponsorship form for visiting New Zealand); and
   2. that any of the items in (a) not covered by a sponsorship guarantee can be met by another approved means.

Effective 29/04/2002