What can be used as evidence of residence status?
Knowledge base articles
- Providing full birth certificates with applications
- I'm coming to New Zealand to participate in a sports event. What visa do I need?
- Are there any special rules for Australian citizens and residents?
- Travelling to New Zealand on business
- I am visiting New Zealand but would like to do some fruit picking - is this allowed?
- Can I come to New Zealand to volunteer or volunteer once I am in New Zealand?
- Skilled Migrant Category - removal of section 49(1) conditions
- What is an 'open work visa', and how do I get one?
- How can I report someone to the immigration authorities?
- Can I apply for a Working Holiday visa while in New Zealand?
- Do I need to submit any documents with my Expression of Interest?
- Do we have to be married to qualify under the partnership instructions?
- Who can apply for a visa using Immigration Online?
- My country is not on the list of working holiday schemes
- How do I apply online for a Working Holiday?
- What information can the Immigration Contact Centre (ICC) release to an LIA or a lawyer?
- If I get a resident visa, how long do I have to move to New Zealand?
- What can be used as evidence of residence status?
- Will I be eligible for a further student visa if I was absent from class due to illness?
- What is the visa status of a child born in New Zealand?
- Can I add my newborn child to my existing visa application?
- What can be used as evidence of work experience?
- How long will my student visa be valid for, if granted?
- I filled out my working holiday visa application a while ago, but now the form has disappeared. What should I do?
- Will I lose my New Zealand residence status if I travel abroad?
- What Fiji travel documents will Immigration New Zealand Suva Branch accept?
- How do I start an online Expression of Interest and submit it?
- I can't save details into my Expression of Interest
- Can a visa be prioritised?
- Information for visitors travelling without a visa
- I hold two passports. Which one should I travel on?
- Can I use an old application form?
- How do I obtain a New Zealand passport or citizenship?
- Can I enter New Zealand on a one-way ticket?
- How do I get a New Zealand passport?
- Information on DNA testing
- Options for Religious Workers
- I am a Tour Guide coming to New Zealand with a Tour Group
- My resident visa application is still in process but my temporary visa will expire soon.
- Can I travel to New Zealand as a visitor, and apply for residence from there?
- Can I look after a child in New Zealand who has a student visa?
The most reliable evidence of your residence status is an endorsement in your passport.
Every resident is issued with the following:
- (prior to 29 Nov 2010) a residence permit and a returning residents' visa (RRV); or
- (after 29 Nov 2010) a resident visa (RV), which may be subject to conditions, or a permanent resident visa (PRV), which has no conditions.
These can be in the form of a stamp issued by Customs, a label issued by Immigration New Zealand, or as an eVisa.
If for any reason these documents are not available to you, or you were granted a resident visa a long time ago, your alternative option is to request an official letter from Immigration New Zealand confirming your current status in New Zealand.
You have the option of submitting a Privacy Act request to request a letter with a statement of your immigration status (if this information exists on your file).
Request or change your personal information
If this information is not recorded on your file, you will need to apply for a confirmation of visa and pay the appropriate fee.
Confirmation of visa (INZ 1023)