Special Directions
The Minister of Immigration in the New Zealand Government can issue a special direction on any matter related to immigration. The decision to give a special direction is a matter of absolute discretion, and no person has the right to apply for a special direction.
It is a decision made by a New Zealand’s Immigration Minister (or his or her delegate) to waive an immigration requirement for, or impose an immigration condition on a person, visa, or document. Special directions are only made in very special circumstances.
You must make the request in writing and must include the reasons why you consider you should be granted a special direction. Please note that the request is not in itself an application for a visa, if the request for a special direction is granted, a formal application must follow.
The specific occasions under relevant sections of Immigration Act 2009, to which special directions may be applied are:
- To grant a visa or entry permission to people otherwise prohibited from getting them.
- To issue an Invitation to Apply for Residence even though the person has not submitted an Expression of Interest
- To refer a Residence visa application to the Minister instead of an INZ officer
- To impose, cancel or vary any Resident Visa condition and do so at the time the person applies for entry permission
- To impose, cancel or vary any temporary visa condition
- To impose, vary or cancel any condition of a temporary visa
- To exempt someone from having to pay a prescribed fee, or direct refund of a fee or bond
If these directives or directions apply to or affect you, we can help