New Immigration Act

The Immigration Act 2009 comes into effect from 29 November 2010. It does not make major changes to the criteria under which people apply to travel to and stay in New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand's forms and guides have been updated in line with the Immigration Act 2009. The forms and guides are available to download now, but can only be used for applications lodged on and after 29 November 2010.

Key changes are in the following areas:

Terminology changes
A new sponsorship system
Returning residents’ visas
‘Endorsements’ for New Zealand citizen foreign passports
Refugees
Streamlining appeals
A new classified information system with special safeguards
Streamlining the deportation process
Compliance, detention and monitoring
Biometrics and information sharing
Employer obligations Education
Airlines
Interim visas
Visit the Immigration New Zealand website for details.