Interim Visa

The New Zealand Interim Visa is an electronic bridging permit granted automatically by Immigration New Zealand under the Immigration Act 2009. It preserves a person's lawful status while INZ decides a further temporary visa application, closing the gap when a current permit expires mid-assessment. Holders cannot apply for it — qualification is checked and the eVisa issued without action.

To qualify, you must hold a current temporary visa, have lodged and had accepted a further temporary visa application before it expires, be in New Zealand, and not have previously held an SMC or 2021 Interim Visa. There is no fee. Stay is capped at 6 months or until the new application is decided; if declined, the visa expires 21 days later. Leaving New Zealand causes it to lapse.

This visa is ideal for temporary visa holders already in New Zealand who have applied in time for a further work, student or visitor visa and need to remain lawfully on shore while INZ assesses the new application.