Y4.30 People who must be refused entry permission: holders of transit visas

See also Immigration Act 2009 ss 89, 90, 91

1. Holders of transit visas are not entitled to apply for entry permission or any other class or type of visa while in New Zealand during the transit period.
2. An immigration officer may, in their absolute discretion, grant the person a visa and entry permission where the person holds a transit visa and the transit period has expired or the transit visa has been cancelled.
3. An immigration officer may cancel a transit visa at any time. If the transit visa is cancelled after the holder has arrived in New Zealand, the person is liable for turnaround.
4. An immigration officer may, in their absolute discretion, extend the period for which the person may remain in New Zealand under the transit visa, or grant the person a visa and entry permission where the person’s transit visa expires while the person is in New Zealand. If the immigration officer does not extend the visa or grant a visa and entry permission, the person is liable for turnaround.
5. A person whose transit visa is cancelled by an immigration officer after the person arrives in New Zealand, or who holds a transit visa and the transit period has expired is subject to section 115 of the Immigration Act 2009.

Note: Where a transit passenger mistakenly attempts to apply for a visa or entry permission, an immigration officer should not normally accept their application and should assist them to return to the transit area.

Effective 02/02/2015