E4.20 Processing of applications

1. Applications for temporary entry are processed by NZIS offices and certain MFAT and British posts.
2. The NZIS may determine at which office an application is processed. This means that an application may be processed at an office other than the office where it is lodged.

E4.20.1 Processing of applications made otherwise than on an approved form

Immigration Regulations 1999 reg 3A

1. Where a visa or immigration officer has agreed to a request to consider an application for a visa or permit made otherwise than on an approved form, the visa or immigration officer may at any time before a visa or permit is issued or granted:
   1. refuse to consider the application in that form, and
   2. direct the person who made the request to complete an approved form if they wish to pursue an application for a visa or permit.
2. If a visa or immigration officer refuses to consider an application for a visa or permit made otherwise than on an approved form then:
   1. the application will be treated as not having been made; and
   2. in the event the person pursues an application for a visa or permit the mandatory requirements as set out at E4.45.1 and E4.55.1 will apply; and
   3. any application fee will either be refunded or applied towards any visa or permit application made by the same person.
3. In the event an application for a visa or permit is made otherwise than on an approved form and has been accepted for processing but cannot be finalised without further information or documentation being obtained, a visa or immigration officer at the NZIS Online Service may transfer the application to another NZIS branch in New Zealand for finalisation. In such cases the application may, at the discretion of the visa or immigration officer considering it, continue to be finalised without the applicant needing:
   1. to complete the approved form; or
   2. pay any additional fee.

Effective 01/07/2002