V2.20 Funds or sponsorship requirements

Immigration Act 1987 s 28
Immigration Regulations 1999 reg 21

Applicants for a visitor's visa or permit must have either:

1. funds of at least NZ$1000 per month for maintenance and accommodation, or NZ$400 per month if the accommodation has been prepaid; or
2. sponsorship by a relative or friend in New Zealand, who:
   1. is a New Zealand citizen, or
   2. holds a New Zealand residence permit that is not subject to requirements imposed under section 18A of the Immigration Act 1987, or
   3. is exempt under section 12(1) of the Immigration Act 1987 from having to hold a permit.

V2.20.1 Evidence of funds or sponsorship

1. Visa or immigration officers must be satisfied that visitors have provided evidence of either sufficient funds or sponsorship.
2. Evidence of sufficient funds includes, but is not limited to the following:
   • cash
   • travellers' cheques
   • bank drafts
   • recognised credit cards with sufficient credit available
   • (for group visas) certification from a reputable travel agency.
3. Sponsored applicants should provide:
   1. a Sponsorship form for visiting New Zealand completed by their sponsor, in which the sponsor guarantees any or all of the following:
      • maintenance
      • accommodation
      • repatriation, and
   2. evidence that any of the items in (i) not covered by the sponsorship guarantee can be met by another approved means.

V2.20.5 Waiver of funds and/or sponsorship requirements for visitor visa applications

Immigration Act 1987 s 28
Immigration Regulations 1999 regs 3(7), 6(d), 12(c)

Officers with Schedule 2 delegations and above may waive the requirements for funds and/or sponsorship in the case of applicants for visitor visas such as, but not limited to, the following:

1. tour group applicants for whom the sponsoring agency has confirmed that all applicants will have sufficient funds and return tickets;
2. government officials travelling on business, if they are officially supported by their home government;

   Note: Visa officers in non-NZIS offices should request a special direction for government officials in every case from an officer with the required authority at an NZIS branch.

3. genuine business travellers, if they are formally supported by their employer;
4. genuine tourists, if the visa officer is satisfied that:
   1. they are genuine tourists, and
   2. they have made a suitable declaration as to funds and tickets on the application form.

Effective 26/07/1999