Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Immigration Act 2009

Visas - Classes of visa - Temporary entry class visas: provisions applying to limited visas

83: Grant of limited visa in relation to criminal matters

You could also call this:

“Special visa for people involved in criminal cases or legal assistance”

You can get a special type of visa called a limited visa for certain criminal matters. This can happen in two ways:

First, if you have a certificate from the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1992, you might get a limited visa. This visa is only for you to come to New Zealand to give evidence or help with a request under that Act. It can also be used if you need to travel through New Zealand because of that Act.

Second, you might get a limited visa if you need to come back to New Zealand to face charges or to serve a sentence. This visa is only for that purpose.

Remember, these limited visas are only for these specific reasons related to criminal matters. They don’t let you stay in New Zealand for other reasons.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM1440705.

Topics:
Immigration and citizenship > Visas
Immigration and citizenship > Border control
Crime and justice > Criminal law
Crime and justice > Courts and legal help
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82: Grant of limited visa rather than temporary visa applied for or held, or

“Limited visa may replace temporary visa to manage risk of overstaying”

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84: Currency of limited visa, or

“How long a limited visa lasts and when it can end early”

Part 3 Visas
Classes of visa: Temporary entry class visas: provisions applying to limited visas

83Grant of limited visa in relation to criminal matters

  1. A limited visa may be granted to a person if—

  2. a certificate has been issued in respect of the person under section 13 or 42(5) of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1992; and
    1. the limited visa is granted for the sole purpose of enabling the person—
      1. to be in New Zealand for the purposes of giving or providing evidence or assistance pursuant to a request made under section 12 of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1992; or
        1. to be transported through New Zealand pursuant to section 42 of that Act.

        2. A limited visa may also be granted to a person for the sole purpose of enabling the person to return to New Zealand to face any charge in New Zealand or to serve any sentence imposed on the person in New Zealand.

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