Visa pathway guide
New ZealandInterim Visa
An automatically issued visa that normally lets eligible people stay lawfully in New Zealand while Immigration New Zealand assesses an application for another temporary visa. It can allow continued work or study depending on the person's situation.
Visa details
At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa name | Interim Visa |
| Purpose | Lawful stay during processing |
| Stay | Up to 6 months |
| Cost | No fee |
| Eligibility timing | Apply before current visa expires |
| Location | Must be in New Zealand |
| Work rights | Depend on visa circumstances |
| Study | Depend on visa circumstances |
| Medicare | Not stated in the source |
| Travel facility | Expires if you leave NZ |
| Citizenship | Not stated in the source |
| Family sponsorship | Not stated in the source |
| Visa record | Electronic eVisa |
| Application | Granted automatically if eligible |
Purpose
The Interim Visa normally lets you remain lawfully in New Zealand while Immigration New Zealand assesses an application for another temporary visa.
You cannot apply for this visa directly.
Eligibility
You must:
- Hold a current temporary visa.
- Be in New Zealand.
- Apply for another temporary work, student or visitor visa.
- Have your new application accepted for processing before your current visa expires.
- Include all documents requested for the new visa application.
- Not already have been granted a Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa or 2021 Interim Visa.
If waiting for a resident visa decision, apply for a new temporary visa as well if your current visa may expire. This may make you eligible for an Interim Visa.
Stay and Validity
- Starts the day after your current visa expires.
- Lasts up to 6 months while the new application is decided.
- If the new visa is approved, it starts immediately and replaces the Interim Visa.
- If the new visa is declined, the Interim Visa expires 21 days after the decline.
Rights and Conditions
You may continue working or studying, depending on your previous visa and the temporary visa you applied for.
Your specific conditions depend on both visas. See Interim Visa conditions.
Travel Warning
Do not leave New Zealand while holding an Interim Visa. Your Interim Visa expires if you leave New Zealand.
Cost
There is no fee for an Interim Visa.
How It Is Granted
- Apply for a completed temporary visa application before your current visa expires.
- Remain in New Zealand while the application is assessed.
- If eligible and your current visa expires first, Immigration New Zealand will normally grant an Interim Visa automatically.
- Immigration New Zealand will email you a few days before expiry if you will receive one. Check your spam folder if no email arrives.
The visa is issued electronically as an eVisa. No passport visa label or passport submission is required.
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