Limited Visa

Allows a person to come to New Zealand for an express purpose where no other temporary visa is appropriate, with strict limitations on further applications and onshore status changes.

Status: active
Updated: 2026-04-28
Sources: E2.30E3.20L2.1L2.5L2.10L2.15L2.20L2.25L2.30L2.35L2.40L2.45L3.1L3.5L4.5L4.10L4.15E4.50L5.1L6.1

At a glance

A limited visa is available for individuals who need to travel to New Zealand for a specific, express purpose that does not fit within the standard visitor, work, or student visa categories. [E2.30]
The grant of a limited visa is at the discretion of the Minister or an immigration officer; no person is entitled to a limited visa as of right. [L2.15]
Eligibility is restricted to people who are outside New Zealand (or arriving visa-waiver) to fulfil that purpose, or current limited visa holders needing more time, or certain temporary visa holders. [E2.30]
Once granted, the visa includes strict limitations: the holder must leave New Zealand by the visa's expiry, cannot apply for a different class of visa while onshore, and has limited appeal rights. [E2.30] Additionally, the holder is not eligible for an interim visa, is liable for deportation if unlawfully in New Zealand after the visa expires, and may be served with a deportation order immediately upon expiry. [L2.35]
Subject to any special direction, a limited visa is current for travel until the specified date, is for one entry only if granted outside New Zealand, and does not include travel conditions if granted in New Zealand (except for Recognised Seasonal Employer limited visas, which are multiple entry). [L2.25]
The applicant must hold a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa expiry date, or 1 month if the purpose is urgent and the issuing government has consular representation in New Zealand. [L2.25]

How to apply

Applications for a limited visa must be made to Immigration New Zealand on the prescribed form. Applicants must clearly state the express purpose and provide evidence supporting it. The application is assessed against the generic temporary entry instructions and any special directions. Because a limited visa carries significant restrictions on further applications and appeals, applicants should ensure that no other temporary visa is suitable before applying.

Mandatory lodgment requirements for a direct limited visa application [L4.15]:

In addition to the mandatory lodgment requirements for temporary entry class visas set out at [E4.50], a direct application for a limited visa must include: [L4.15]

evidence or information about the nature, duration, and timing of the express purpose for which the applicant seeks to be in New Zealand; or [L4.15]
if the application is for a further limited visa, evidence or information about the nature, duration, and timing of the express purpose for which the original limited visa was granted, and why that purpose has not been achieved in the time allowed. [L4.15]

Applications for limited visas are processed at INZ offices and certain Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade posts. [L4.10] Applications are not processed at British offices undertaking work on behalf of INZ. INZ may determine at which office an application is processed, meaning an application may be processed at an office other than the one where it is lodged. [L4.10]

A limited visa cannot be applied for by a person who is unlawfully in New Zealand, or who holds an interim or transit visa. The holder of a limited visa may be granted a further limited visa only if they require further time to achieve the express purpose for which the original visa was granted [L2.45]. The holder must apply before the current visa expires and must still be in New Zealand lawfully at the time of application.

Eligibility criteria

Note: Even where a person falls within the categories listed below, no person is entitled to a limited visa as a matter of right; the grant is at the discretion of the Minister or an immigration officer, subject to any special direction. [L2.15]

A person may apply for a limited visa only if they fall within one of the following categories: [E2.30]

A person (including a visa-waiver national) who is outside New Zealand and wishes to come to New Zealand for an express purpose. [E2.30]
A person arriving in New Zealand to whom a visa waiver applies, who wishes to stay in New Zealand for an express purpose. [E2.30]
A person already in New Zealand who is:
- the holder of a current limited visa, if further time is needed to achieve the express purpose for which that visa was granted; or [E2.30]
- the holder of a temporary visa (other than a claimant granted a temporary visa under section 150 of the Immigration Act 2009). [E2.30]

Current authority: The eligibility categories are now set out in instruction L2.1, which also references Immigration Act 2009 sections 81 and 150. [L2.1]

Bona fide requirement for direct limited visa applications

A person who applies directly for a limited visa must satisfy the immigration officer that they are a bona fide applicant as defined in L5.1. [L5.1] Specifically, the applicant must:

genuinely intend a temporary stay in New Zealand for an express purpose (see [L2.30]); [L5.1]
have a lawful express purpose; and [L5.1]
in the opinion of an immigration officer, not be likely to remain in New Zealand unlawfully or breach the conditions of any visa granted. [L5.1]

The general bona fide framework — including the applicant's responsibility to show genuine intent and lawful purpose and the structured assessment of whether an applicant is bona fide — applies to direct limited visa applications with any necessary modifications. This is consistent with the overall bona fide requirement applied across all temporary entry visas (see Bona fide applicant). [L5.1]

Ineligible applicants

The following persons may not apply for a limited visa:

A person who is in New Zealand unlawfully. [L2.5] If such a person purports to apply, the decision whether to grant a visa is one of absolute discretion: the Minister or immigration officer is not obliged to consider the application, make any inquiries, or give reasons other than that section 11 of the Immigration Act 2009 applies; sections 27 of the Immigration Act 2009 and 23 of the Official Information Act 1982 do not apply. [L2.5]
A person to whom section 150 of the Immigration Act 2009 applies (certain refugee or protection status claimants), unless section 150(3) applies (see E8.10). [L2.5]
A holder of a transit visa, while in New Zealand during the transit period, may not apply for any type of visa (including a limited visa) or entry permission; however, the Minister or an immigration officer may, in their absolute discretion, grant a visa of any type and class they think fit. [L2.5]

Express purposes

A limited visa must specify an express purpose from the following list set out in instruction L2.30. The express purposes include: [L2.30]

Study as a full fee-paying student (generally only for short courses). [L2.30]
Attending an event, such as a wedding, funeral, conference, seminar, graduation or other significant ceremony, sports tournament or match, or religious event. [L2.30]
Medical treatment in New Zealand. [L2.30]
Family emergencies, such as an illness or accident affecting a family member or relative of the applicant in New Zealand. [L2.30]
"Milestone" events, such as anniversaries or reunions. [L2.30]
Undertaking seasonal work in the horticulture or viticulture industry (which is planting, maintaining, harvesting or packing crops), including undertaking seasonal work while awaiting repatriation, under Recognised Seasonal Employer instructions. [L2.30]
Any other specific purpose other than employment (unless the employment is seasonal work as specified in (6) above), where the circumstances justify granting a limited visa. [L2.30]

Limitations on limited visa holders

Holders of a limited visa face the following restrictions: [E2.30]

They must leave New Zealand no later than the day the visa expires. [E2.30]
Before or after the expiry of the visa, while in New Zealand, they may not:
- apply for a visa of a different class or type; [E2.30]
- request a special direction or a visa in special cases; or [E2.30]
- bring any appeal (other than an appeal against the decline of refugee and protection status) to a court, the Immigration and Protection Tribunal, or otherwise. [E2.30]
Every limited visa is granted subject to conditions relating to its purpose. [E2.30]

Statutory limitations (L2.35)

Instruction L2.35 codifies the following additional statutory limitations for limited visa holders, drawn from the Immigration Act 2009: [L2.35]

The holder must leave New Zealand no later than the date on which the visa expires. [L2.35]
The holder may not apply for a visa of a different class or type, whether before or after their visa expires, while in New Zealand. [L2.35]
The holder may not request a special direction under section 378, or a visa under section 61 of the Immigration Act 2009, whether before or after the visa expires, while in New Zealand. [L2.35]
The holder may not, whether before or after the visa expires, appeal to a court, the Tribunal (other than an appeal under sections 194 or 195) or otherwise. [L2.35]
The holder will not be granted an interim visa. [L2.35]
The holder is liable for deportation if unlawfully in New Zealand after the limited visa expires. [L2.35]
The holder can be served with a deportation order as soon as the limited visa has expired unless section 175(1)(a) applies. [L2.35]

Currency of limited visas

Subject to any special direction, a limited visa is: [L2.25]
- current for travel until the date specified;
- if granted outside New Zealand, effective for one entry only;
- if granted in New Zealand, will not include travel conditions;
- granted for a period appropriate to achieve the express purpose (up to the maximum allowed under instructions).
If the express purpose is achieved before the visa's expiry, is no longer achievable, or the holder abandons it, an immigration officer may notify an earlier expiry date. The new expiry date must be at least 14 days after notice is given, and the visa expires on that earlier date. [L2.25]
The currency must relate to the time required to achieve the express purpose, which varies with the circumstances of the case. [L2.25]
The applicant's passport or travel document must be current for at least 3 months beyond the visa expiry date, or, if the purpose is urgent, for 1 month provided the issuing government has consular representation in New Zealand able to issue or renew passports. [L2.25]
Despite the above, a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) limited visa has multiple entry travel conditions whether granted in or outside New Zealand. [L2.25]

Expiry of limited visas

A limited visa expires on the earliest of: [L2.45]

the beginning of the day after the date specified in the visa as the expiry date; or
the beginning of the day after an event specified in the visa occurs; or
the beginning of the day after the last day of the period for which the visa grants stay; or
for a visa to which section 78 of the Immigration Act 2009 applies (epidemic management notice), the beginning of the day that is three months after the day on which the epidemic management notice expires, if not cancelled earlier; or
when the holder leaves New Zealand, if the conditions of the visa do not allow further travel.

If a limited visa holder with single entry travel conditions leaves New Zealand and is forced to return before arriving in any other country, or returns because of any emergency affecting the craft or other circumstances beyond the holder's control, an appropriately delegated immigration officer must grant a limited visa and entry permission under section 61 for a period of not more than 14 days after returning. The express purpose is to enable the holder to be in New Zealand to leave on the next available craft. [L2.45]

Conditions for study purposes

If a limited visa is granted for the purpose of study, the holder is additionally subject to the conditions set out in E3.20: [E3.20]

Maintenance: at all times while in New Zealand, the holder must have sufficient means to maintain themselves (funds held in New Zealand, an acceptable financial undertaking by an eligible third party, a current approved sponsorship, or financial assistance under a bilateral aid programme). [E3.20]
Travel: the holder must have the means to travel to a country to which they have a right of entry. Acceptable means include a fully paid travel ticket, sufficient funds held in New Zealand (additional to maintenance funds), an acceptable financial undertaking, a current approved sponsorship, or financial assistance under a bilateral aid programme. [E3.20]
Attendance: the holder must attend the programme of study at the place of study endorsed on the visa, unless there are genuine reasons for absences. [E3.20]
Satisfactory progress: the holder must make satisfactory progress in the programme of study, as primarily determined by the education provider under its academic progress policies. [E3.20]
Fees: the holder must pay all programme fees that are payable from time to time. [E3.20]
Insurance: the holder must hold insurance if required under U3.45 (see U3.1(vii)). [E3.20]

These conditions apply in addition to the general limitations on limited visa holders (above) and are subject to any special direction to the contrary. [E3.20]

Conditions imposed on limited visas (L2.40)

Every limited visa is granted subject to the express purpose for which it is granted and to any conditions:
- imposed at any time before the visa is granted; or
- imposed by special direction given at any time before, at the time when, or after the visa is granted. [L2.40]
The holder of a limited visa must not undertake employment in New Zealand or within the exclusive economic zone of New Zealand unless authorised by the conditions of their limited visa. [L2.40]
The holder of a limited visa may not undertake any programme of study or training (of any length) unless authorised by the conditions or purpose of their limited visa. [L2.40]
If the limited visa is granted for the purpose of study, the visa is subject to the conditions listed in E3.20 (see Conditions for study purposes). [L2.40]
If the limited visa is granted for the purpose of working for a Recognised Seasonal Employer, the visa is subject to the conditions in WH1.15.20. [L2.40]
Conditions of a limited visa may be varied: the provisions of E3.25 apply with any necessary modifications. [L2.40]

Partners and dependent children of limited visa holders [L4.5]

To be eligible for a limited visa, a partner must satisfy a visa or immigration officer that:

they are living together in a genuine and stable partnership with the principal applicant partner; and
the partnership meets the minimum requirements for the recognition of partnerships set out at E4.5.15 and F2.15. [L4.5]

For limited visa purposes, a partnership meets the minimum requirements if the immigration officer is satisfied that:

both partners were aged 18 years or older at the time of application, or if aged 16 or 17, have the support of a parent or guardian for the application; and
the couple had met before the application was made; and
they are not close relatives (see F2.15(d)). [L4.5]

Dependent children of holders of limited visas granted for the purpose of study may be granted a limited visa for the express purpose of accompanying the visa holder, for the currency of the parent's visa. However, a dependent child whose eligibility relies solely on being the dependent child of a non-principal applicant partner included in an application (i.e. not a dependent child of the principal applicant) may only be granted a limited visa if that parent's partner is granted a limited visa. [L4.5]

Despite the above, partners and dependent children of holders of Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) limited visas must not be granted limited visas for the purpose of accompanying the RSE limited visa holder. [L4.5]

For the general partnership requirements that apply across temporary entry visas, see Temporary entry class visa for partners and dependent children.

Interpretation & edge cases

The statutory definition of a limited visa is set out in L2.10: a temporary entry class visa endorsed with entry and stay conditions for an express purpose until a specified date, provided any conditions stipulated in the visa are met. [L2.10]
The express purpose must be genuine, time-limited, and not suitable for any other temporary visa category. Immigration New Zealand will assess whether the purpose is consistent with the grant of a limited visa.
The limitation on applying for a visa of a different class or type means that a limited visa holder cannot, for example, switch from a limited visa to a work visa while in New Zealand. If the purpose changes, the person must leave New Zealand and apply offshore.
The restriction on special directions and special-case visa requests (under section 61) applies even if the person becomes unlawful after the limited visa expires. However, a person who overstays a limited visa may potentially make a section 61 request once unlawful, but the limitations under E2.30.1(2)(ii) might be interpreted as prohibiting a request while in New Zealand. The interaction is complex and requires legal advice. See also L2.35, which explicitly prohibits a request while in New Zealand, whether before or after the visa expires. [L2.35]
The prohibition on appeals is broad: the only exception is an appeal against a decline of refugee or protection status. All other immigration appeals are barred, including humanitarian appeals against deportation.
A limited visa may be granted to a person who arrives as a visa-waiver traveller and seeks to stay for a specific purpose that does not fit the standard visitor rules.
If a limited visa holder needs more time, they may apply for a further limited visa, but they must be in New Zealand lawfully at the time. If the first limited visa expires before a decision is made on the further application, the person would become unlawful unless an interim visa is granted. Under L2.35, the holder of a limited visa will not be granted an interim visa, so an interim visa is not available to bridge the gap while a further limited visa application is processed. [L2.35]
When a limited visa is granted for study, the holder must comply with the study‑specific conditions of [E3.20] (see Study visa conditions). These conditions operate alongside the express-purpose limitations and may be enforced through compliance action or visa cancellation.
If a person who is unlawfully in New Zealand purports to apply for a limited visa, INZ exercises absolute discretion: there is no duty to consider the application, make inquiries, or give reasons beyond stating that section 11 of the Immigration Act 2009 applies. This is a departure from standard visa refusal procedures and means a request by an unlawful person provides no procedural guarantees. [L2.5]
The grant of a limited visa is discretionary under L2.15: no person is entitled as of right. The Minister or an immigration officer may decline an application even if the express purpose is established. This discretion is subject to any special direction. [L2.15]
A bond may not be imposed as a condition of granting a limited visa if the purpose of the bond is to manage an identified risk that the applicant may remain in New Zealand after their visa expires. This restriction is specific to limited visas and distinguishes them from visitor visas, where a bond may be imposed under E4.55 to manage overstay risk. [L2.20]
Limited visas are ordinarily single-entry and, if granted onshore, carry no travel conditions (except for RSE limited visas, which are multiple entry). An immigration officer may also set an earlier expiry date if the express purpose is achieved or abandoned, giving at least 14 days' notice. [L2.25]

Grant of limited visa instead of a temporary visa (L3.1)

When an applicant applies for a temporary visa, an immigration officer may grant a limited visa instead of the temporary visa applied for if and only if: [L3.1]

the person is outside New Zealand (or arrives as a visa-waiver national) and wishes to come for an express purpose, or is the holder of a temporary entry class visa and agrees to the grant of a limited visa; and
the immigration officer identifies a risk that the person will remain in New Zealand beyond the expiry of their visa; and
the immigration officer considers that granting a limited visa rather than a temporary visa is necessary to manage that risk. [L3.1]

If a temporary visa holder applies for entry permission, an officer may cancel the existing temporary visa and grant a limited visa with entry permission if overstay risk is identified, the person agrees, and the officer considers the limited visa necessary to manage the risk. [L3.1] Normal verification processes must be carried out before a limited visa can be considered. [L3.1] A limited visa may be granted only to manage an identified risk of overstay; it may not be used to manage other risks (such as health or character). [L3.1] Limited visas should be granted sparingly. [L3.1]

Before granting a limited visa instead of the temporary visa applied for, the immigration officer must advise the applicant in writing of the intention and of the limitations and conditions to which limited visa holders are subject (see L2.35). The applicant must be given a reasonable opportunity to comment. If the applicant does not wish to be granted a limited visa, the officer will determine the application on the information available at that time. [L3.1]

When a limited visa may not be granted instead of a temporary visa (L3.5)

An immigration officer may not grant a limited visa instead of the temporary visa applied for if: [L3.5]

the application for a temporary visa can be approved under normal temporary instructions; or [L3.5]
granting a limited visa cannot manage the risk that the applicant may remain in New Zealand after their visa expires; or [L3.5]
there is no express purpose associated with the applicant's proposed visit. [L3.5]

These prohibitions act as a bar even where the criteria in L3.1 would otherwise be met; the officer must first ensure none of the three circumstances apply before considering a limited visa under L3.1. [L3.5]

Limited visas for refugee or protection status claimants

A limited visa may be granted to a refugee or protection status claimant, a refugee or a protected person only if that person is at the time a holder of a current limited visa and only if a visa is required for the claimant to be in New Zealand lawfully while their claim is being determined. [L6.1]

General requirements

The holder of a current limited visa who is a refugee or protection status claimant, refugee or protected person may apply for a further limited visa at any INZ office in New Zealand. [L6.1] Applications must be made on the Visitor Visa Application (INZ 1017) or Student Visa Application (INZ 1012), depending on the express purpose, and submitted together with the applicant's passport (or certified copy) or travel document (or certified copy) and a passport-sized photograph. [L6.1] No application fee or immigration levy is payable. [L6.1] The applicant must ensure the application is submitted before any current limited visa expires (see [L2.1]). [L6.1]

Where a refugee or protection status claimant, refugee or protected person requires further time to achieve the express purpose, they should normally be granted an appropriate temporary visa rather than a further limited visa, except where:

the applicant is a claimant who needs to be lawfully in New Zealand while their claim is determined; or
the applicant is a refugee or protected person who has yet to be granted a residence class visa. [L6.1]

If the express purpose has been achieved, abandoned, or is no longer achievable, no further limited visa will be granted because no further time is required. However, such applicants should be advised that they may nevertheless be eligible for a visa under section 61 after their limited visa expires (see Section 61 special case visa), at the discretion of the Minister or an immigration officer. [L6.1]

Additional conditions for refugee or protection status claimants

In addition to the general conditions of limited visas (see [L2.40]), each time a limited visa is granted to a refugee or protection status claimant, the person must be advised in writing that their visa is subject to these conditions: [L6.1]

They must at all times keep INZ informed of any change of residential address. [L6.1]
They may be liable for deportation if:
- their claim for refugee or protection status is declined and they fail to appeal, or have appealed unsuccessfully, to the Tribunal; or
- they withdraw their claim. [L6.1]

Limited visas at the border for refugee or protection status claimants

If the holder of a limited visa claims refugee or protection status at the border, the holder (unless subject to sections 15 or 16 of the Immigration Act 2009) should be granted entry permission for the period required to achieve the express purpose for which they were originally issued the limited visa. [L6.1]

If the claimant does not confirm their claim in the prescribed manner at the border (see C3.25), they should be told that an application for a further limited visa will only be considered after they have confirmed their claim in the prescribed manner. [L6.1]

Limited visas in relation to criminal matters

A limited visa may also be granted to a person if: [L6.1]

a certificate has been issued in respect of the person under section 13 or 42(5) of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1992, and the limited visa is granted for the sole purpose of enabling the person to be in New Zealand to give or provide evidence or assistance pursuant to a request under section 12 of that Act, or to be transported through New Zealand under section 42; or
the visa is granted for the sole purpose of enabling the person to return to New Zealand to face any charge in New Zealand or to serve any sentence imposed on the person in New Zealand. [L6.1]