V2.1 Visitor visa requirements (22/08/2016)

To be granted a visitor visa applicants must:

1. meet the requirements under Generic Temporary Entry instructions for:
   1. lodging an application for a temporary entry class visa as set out at E4; and
   2. bona fide applicants as set out at E5; and
   3. health and character as set out at A4 and A5; and
2. meet the funds or sponsorship requirements (see V2.20); and
3. meet the onward travel requirements, if relevant (see V2.25); and
4. be coming to New Zealand for a lawful purpose.

V2.1.1 Definition of 'lawful purpose' for visitors

For the purposes of applying the 'lawful purpose' test in the provision relating to bona fide applicants (see E5.1), visitors are considered to be coming to New Zealand for a lawful purpose if:

1. they are coming for such purposes as:
   • holidaying;
   • sightseeing;
   • family and social visits;
   • amateur sport;
   • business consultation (see V3.5);
   • medical treatment (see V3.40); or
   • guest of government visits (guest of government status is granted by the Visits and Ceremonial Office, Department of Internal Affairs).
2. they are not intending to undertake employment (see W2.2.1) or a programme of study or training, with the exception of short-term study (see V2.35 and U2.5(b)).

   Note:
   ~ Entry for the purpose of marriage is also regarded as a 'lawful purpose'.
   ~ If the programme is offered by a private training establishment, the applicant must ensure that the primary requirements for satisfying sections 232 and 233 of the Education Act 1989, in respect of programmes of study, are met (see U5.15).
   ~ All education providers offering places to foreign students must be signatories to the Ministry of Education’s Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 (see U5.1(b)).

Effective 22/08/2016