Lodging an Expression of Interest
How to complete and submit an Expression of Interest for residence class visas that require an invitation to apply.
- Status
- active
- Updated
- 2026-04-28
- Also known as
- EOI lodgment
- Sources
- R2.65
At a glance
Some residence class visas require an applicant to have been invited to apply. An invitation is sought by lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) with Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The EOI is not a visa application — it places the person in a pool for possible selection and invitation. [R2.65]
How it works
An EOI is a declaration of the applicant’s details and claims, submitted to INZ in the prescribed manner. If selected from the relevant pool and an immigration officer is satisfied the claims are credible, the applicant may be issued an Invitation to Apply for residence. The process does not guarantee an invitation or a visa. [R2.65]
Steps
- Obtain and complete the prescribed Expression of Interest form. The form captures identity, family, employment, and other information relevant to the residence category. [R2.65]
- Pay the appropriate fee (if any). [R2.65]
- Submit the completed form and fee to an immigration officer. The form may be submitted either electronically using the INZ website, or in paper form. [R2.65]
Electronic submission: Expressions of Interest submitted electronically can only be submitted via the INZ website. [R2.65]
Interpretation & edge cases
- This instruction applies generically to residence categories that require an invitation before applying. Individual residence categories may impose additional requirements on the content of the EOI, the selection process, and the invitation criteria — for example, the Parent Category or the Skilled Migrant Category. Advisers and applicants must check the specific category instructions in addition to this generic lodgment rule. [R2.65]
- The EOI is not a visa application and does not confer any immigration status. The information provided in the EOI may be verified later, and providing false or misleading information in an EOI can have consequences under the relevant residence category instructions.
- The fee mentioned is the EOI lodgment fee, which may be waived or varied by regulation; applicants should confirm the current fee on the INZ website. [R2.65]
Citations
Labour Market Test (AEWV Job Check)
Defines when and how accredited employers must demonstrate no suitable New Zealand workers are available before job approval.
Lodging a residence application
Specifies where applicants must lodge residence applications, how the lodgement date is determined, receipt stamping, and what happens if lodged at the wrong office.