Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Immigration Act 2009

Visas - Visas generally

47: Grant of visa may be conditional on payment of bond

You could also call this:

“You might need to pay money before getting a visa”

Before you can get a visa, the Minister or an immigration officer might ask you to pay money called a bond. This is explained in section 396.

If you pay a bond, two things can happen to that money. It might be taken away from you, as described in section 397(1). Or, you might get some or all of it back, as explained in section 397.

Even if your bond money is taken away, you can still get in trouble for not following the rules of your visa. These rules are listed in sections 49 to 55. Losing your bond doesn’t stop other actions being taken if you break these rules.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM2386201.

Topics:

Immigration and citizenship > Visas

Immigration and citizenship > Border control

46: Grant of visa does not guarantee entry permission, or

“Having a visa doesn't always mean you can enter New Zealand”

48: Grant of visa may be conditional on sponsorship, or

“Visa approval might require a sponsor's written commitment”

Part 3 Visas
Visas generally

47Grant of visa may be conditional on payment of bond

Before granting a visa to an applicant, the Minister or an immigration officer may require that a bond be paid in accordance with section 396.
A bond required under subsection (1) may be—
forfeited under section 397(1); or
refunded in whole or in part under section 397.

The fact that a bond is forfeited under section 397(1) (whether in whole or in part) does not affect other action taken, or that may be taken, in respect of a failure to comply with any conditions imposed on the visa concerned under sections 49 to 55.