Lawful Purpose and Bona Fides for New Zealand Visitor Visa Applicants with Job Offers

Determining whether a visitor visa applicant with a New Zealand job offer meets the “lawful purpose” criteria is key. Immigration instruction V2.1.1 outlines acceptable purposes for visitor visas, such as holidaying, sightseeing, family visits, business consultation, and more. These examples are not exhaustive, and other lawful purposes may be considered if the applicant does not intend to work (see W2.2.1) or engage in long-term study (with some exceptions).

Onshore Applicants with Job Offers

Onshore applicants may apply for a visitor visa to remain lawful while awaiting a job check from their prospective employer. If there’s no indication they intend to work, this can be considered a lawful purpose. Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account:

• A verifiable job offer.
• Immigration history and ties to their home country.
• Consistency of their declared purpose and any abrupt changes in circumstances.
• The employer’s accreditation status.

Offshore Visitors with Job Offers

Visa Pak Issue 214 provides guidance for visitors coming to New Zealand for job interviews or to “Look, See and Decide.” Those with job offers or who have cut ties with their home country don’t qualify under this category. These applicants must meet the bona fide applicant criteria (E5).

For further details on assessing bona fide applicants, refer to IAC 13-09.

Case Examples:

1. Former Student Awaiting a Job Check: A former student applies for a visitor visa while awaiting a job check. If all requirements are met, a visitor visa may be granted.
2. Visitor Seeking a Job: A visitor applies for a new visa while waiting for a job check. The officer must assess if they remain a bona fide visitor, considering any abrupt changes in their ties.
3. Working Holiday Visa Holder with Job Prospects: A working holiday visa holder applies for a visitor visa but provides no evidence of a job offer, raising concerns about their bona fides.

These examples illustrate how lawful purpose and bona fides are assessed, highlighting the importance of evaluating each case individually.