Changes to some Interim Visa conditions

Changes have been made to Interim Visa conditions to reflect the new partnership-based work visa instructions that took effect in May 2023.

Interim Visas are generally granted automatically to allow migrants to remain in New Zealand lawfully while they wait for the outcome of their visa application. They are intended as a temporary measure only.

Interim Visas have different conditions, such as work rights, depending on the applicant’s current visa, and the visa they are applying for.

The updated Interim Visa conditions

Partnership-based work visa holders who have applied for another partnership-based work visa

An Interim Visa will allow them to work for any employer. They will not have restrictions such as being required to work for an accredited employer or earn a specific wage.

Partnership-based work visa holders who have applied for a different work visa type (such as an Accredited Employer Work Visa)

An Interim Visa will not allow them to work. Their Interim Visa will have the same conditions as a Visitor Visa.

There are no changes to Interim Visa conditions when people are applying for a non-work visa, such as a visitor or student visa.

People holding a dfferent visa type who have applied for a partnership-based work visa

An Interim Visa will not allow them to work. Their Interim Visa will have the same conditions as a Visitor Visa.

These changes ensure Interim Visa conditions are consistent across partnership-based work visas and other work visas.

These changes came into effect from 11 August 2023.