Certain amendments to immigration instructions, effective 7 May 2018, make it now possible to apply for residence visas online, with supporting documents provided as electronic copies.

The amendments explain when original passports must be provided in support of online temporary entry visa applications (if the applicant is outside of New Zealand, not subject to a visa waiver, and not travelling on a People’s Republic of China passport).

The amendments also state that individuals holding a visa as a result of an order by the Immigration and Protection Tribunal are no longer entitled to an automated interim visa.

A second group of amendments, effective 21 May 2018 removes the limit on the number of Specific Purpose or Event Work visas allowed (though maximum lengths of stay have not changed) and clarifies how long English language students must study to gain part-time work rights.