F2.15 Deferring the final decision (26/07/1999)

1. If, after assessing an application, an immigration or visa officer has reason to doubt that a couple is living together in a genuine and stable marriage, and the officer considers that the only means of resolving that doubt is to defer a final decision on the application, they may defer the final decision for 6 months.
2. If there are compelling reasons for the principal applicant to be in New Zealand with their spouse during the deferral period, a principal applicant may be issued with a work visa or granted a work permit (once an application has been made) for a period sufficient to enable a further assessment of their residence application after the 6-month deferral period.

Effective 26/07/1999