A3.1 Definition and effect of a visa

See also Immigration Act 2009 ss 43, 62

1. A visa (other than a transit visa) authorises the holder to travel to or stay in New Zealand (or both).
2. A visa may be granted inside or outside New Zealand or in an immigration control area.
3. A visa granted outside New Zealand indicates that:
   1. the holder may travel to New Zealand in line with the conditions of that visa (if any) and apply for entry permission; and
   2. if entry permission is granted, may stay in New Zealand in line with the conditions of that visa (if any); and
   3. at the time the visa is granted, Immigration New Zealand has no reason to believe that entry permission will be refused, provided the holder of the visa complies with the conditions of the visa (if any).
4. A visa granted inside New Zealand indicates that:
   1. the holder of the visa may stay in New Zealand in accordance with the conditions of the visa; and
   2. if granted travel conditions, the holder of the visa may re-enter New Zealand in line with the travel conditions and apply for entry permission.
5. A visa granted in an immigration control area indicates that:
   1. if granted entry permission, the holder of the visa may stay in New Zealand in accordance with the conditions of the visa; and
   2. if granted travel conditions, the holder of the visa may re-enter New Zealand in line with the travel conditions and apply for entry permission.
6. A visa is granted by being entered and retained in the records of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
7. A visa may (but need not) be evidenced by an endorsement in a passport or a certificate of identity.

Effective 08/05/2017