R5.50 Lapsing an application (26/07/1999)

1. Unless paragraph (b) applies, an application will be considered to be lapsed, and must then be declined, if a principal applicant has not provided their travel document to the NZIS for the issue of a residence visa or grant of a residence permit within 6 months from the date of advice that the application has met the policy requirements for approval.
2. Visa and immigration officers must consider any relevant circumstances in deciding whether or not to lapse and then decline an application, including but not limited to:
   1. the death of a family member,
   2. illness,
   3. loss or theft of documentation,

   and they may, if appropriate, extend the 6-month period referred to in paragraph (a) above.

Effective 26/07/1999