The limited purpose visa is designed to be used as an offshore risk management tool, principally to facilitate the entry of higher risk students and others who wish to visit New Zealand for an "express purpose". This tool is to be used to enable persons who, in the normal course of events, would not otherwise be accepted for temporary entry because of a risk that they may remain in New Zealand after their temporary permit expires.

Holders of limited purpose permits have limited immigration rights. They do not have access to appeal rights, may not apply for a permit of a different type, or request a special direction for a permit under section 35A of the Immigration Act 1987. They are also subject to immediate removal upon becoming unlawfully in New Zealand.

A person may also be issued a limited purpose visa if they apply directly and choose a limited purpose visa as their preferred method of entry. A further limited purpose permit may only be granted if a person is the holder of an existing limited purpose permit and requires further time to achieve their express purpose. Express purposes include: · study as a full fee paying student; · attending special or milestone events;
· medical treatment;
· family emergencies;
· other specific purposes (other than employment) justifying the issue of a limited purpose visa.

A new provision has been added setting out that holders of limited purpose permits may not apply for a permit of a different type while in New Zealand.

A new provision has been inserted setting out that if an offshore application for a student visa cannot be approved because of an identified risk that the applicant may remain in New Zealand after their permit expires, a visa officer may issue a limited purpose visa rather than the student visa applied for.

All visa/immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read

the amendments and operate in accordance with the new policy from 1 October, 1999.