Special Temporary Visa Instructions Objective
Sets the objective of special temporary visa instructions: to facilitate the movement of persons who will be in New Zealand in a specified official capacity.
- Status
- active
- Updated
- 2026-04-28
- Sources
- H1
Special Temporary Visa Instructions Objective
At a glance
- The objective of the special temporary visa instructions is to facilitate the movement of persons who will be in New Zealand in a specified official capacity. [H1]
Definition
The special temporary visa instructions are a set of policies under the Immigration Operational Manual (Section H) that govern temporary entry for individuals taking up an official role in New Zealand. The stated objective is to enable the entry and stay of such persons for the purpose of fulfilling that official capacity. [H1]
Application in decisions
When considering applications under any special temporary visa category, immigration officers must have regard to this objective. The officer should assess whether granting the visa is consistent with facilitating movement for an official purpose, and whether the applicant will be present in New Zealand in a capacity that aligns with the definition of a specified official capacity. [H1]
Interpretation & edge cases
- The objective is deliberately broad and does not prescribe a list of specific official capacities. Interpretation is left to the wider framework of the H instructions and the facts of each application.
- The instruction is effective as of 29 November 2010 and applies to all applications decided after that date.
Citations
Special directions
The Minister (or delegate) may give immigration officers special directions in relation to persons, visas, or documents in special circumstances, as a matter of absolute discretion.
Sponsorship for temporary entry
The sponsorship framework for temporary entry class visa applications, setting out sponsor eligibility, obligations, and the consequences of sponsor breach for the visa holder.