Interim Visa in New Zealand
An Interim Visa in New Zealand is a temporary visa that allows individuals to remain lawfully in the country while they await the outcome of their immigration application or appeal. It acts as a bridging visa between the expiry of the previous visa and the decision on the new visa application.
Key Features of the Interim Visa:
Continuation of Stay
The Interim Visa allows individuals to continue residing in New Zealand lawfully while their new visa application is being processed.
Conditions
The Interim Visa may come with certain conditions, such as restrictions on employment or study, depending on the individual’s previous visa status and the type of visa they applied for.
Validity Period
The validity period of an Interim Visa depends on the individual circumstances and the progress of the new visa application. Typically, the visa remains valid until a decision is made on the new visa application or appeal.
Appeal Process
If an individual’s visa application is declined and they choose to appeal the decision, an Interim Visa may be granted to allow them to remain in New Zealand during the appeal process.
Application Process
Interim Visas are typically granted automatically to eligible individuals whose visa applications are still being processed at the time their current visa expires. However, individuals may need to apply for an Interim Visa in certain circumstances.
Access to Services
Holders of an Interim Visa may have access to certain services and entitlements in New Zealand, such as healthcare and education, depending on their visa conditions.
Application Process for the Interim Visa:
- Automatic Grant:
In many cases, Interim Visas are granted automatically to individuals whose visa applications are still under consideration when their current visa expires. Immigration New Zealand will inform individuals if they have been granted an Interim Visa. - Manual Application:
In some situations, individuals may need to apply for an Interim Visa manually, especially if their visa application is declined, or if they choose to appeal a decision.