E4.65 How supporting documents must be submitted

1. Any passport, certificate of identity, birth certificate or other document provided as evidence of an applicant’s identity must be either the original, or a certified copy, unless provided in support of an application made:
   1. on an electronic form; or
   2. by a diplomatic or consular official for a temporary entry class visa; or
   3. for reconsideration of a decision to decline a temporary entry class visa.
2. All other documents submitted in support of an application for a temporary entry class visa may consist of legible copies, unless original documents are specifically requested on the relevant INZ form or guide, or by an immigration officer (see A13.1).
3. Immigration officers should verify supporting documents in a manner consistent with the identified risk and verification level, and their general obligation to verify documents and information (see E7.5).
4. Where uncertified copies of original documents have been provided, an immigration officer may request to see the original documents before making a decision on the application.
5. Uncertified copies must be legible and an accurate reflection of the original document.

E4.65.1 Translations

1. A certified translation is required for all police certificates and medical certificates not written in English which are provided in support of an application for a temporary entry class visa.
2. If requested by an immigration officer, a certified translation is required for any other documents not written in English and provided in support of an application for a temporary entry class visa, including visitor visa applications.
3. Certified translations must:
   1. not be prepared by the applicant, any member of their family or an immigration adviser assisting with the application; and
   2. be accompanied by legible copies of the original documents, unless original documents are specifically requested on the relevant INZ form or guide, or by an immigration officer; and
   3. be certified as a correct translation made by a person familiar with both languages and competent in translation work; and
   4. bear the stamp or signature of the translator or translation business; and
   5. if applicable, be on the official letterhead of the translation business.
4. Officers may request a translation:
   1. of the complete document where the translation is of a selected part(s) of the document, and
   2. by a different (specified) translation service or translator where they are not satisfied by the initial translation.

Note: If a translation by a different (specified) translation service is requested the reason(s) behind the request must be clearly documented and conveyed to the applicant by INZ.

E4.65.2 Translations for Visitor Visa applications

1. Applicants for any category of visitor visa must provide translations of all documents provided in support of their application that are not written in English.
2. Translations of documents provided in support of visitor visa applications (other than police certificates and medical certificates) must:
   1. not be prepared by an applicant, any member of their family or an immigration adviser assisting with the application; and
   2. be accompanied by the original documents or certified copies, unless legible copies are acceptable under A13.1; and
   3. be in English; and
   4. include the following information in English of the person preparing the translation:
      • their full name; and
      • address and telephone number; and
      • their qualifications and experience that make them proficient in English and the translated language.
3. If an applicant does not provide any or all of the translations required under (a) above, or provides translations that do not include all the required information as per (b) above, an Immigration Officer may decline the application.
4. However, where an Immigration Officer is satisfied that failure to provide translations of all documents or to meet one or more of the requirements at E4.65.2(b) above, is in the context of the particular application a minor failure, and they are satisfied there is sufficient evidence that the applicant meets the relevant immigration instructions, the Immigration Officer may decide an application based solely on the English language documents provided.

Effective 26/05/2025