What happens if my Visa expires?

This can be a difficult question to answer because it depends on where you are and whether you may have filed a further application.

If you are offshore and you hold a temporary Visa that expires, then the answer is pretty simple - you need to apply for a new Visa to enter the country.

If you are onshore and your Visa expires, but you have not yet filed a new application then you become liable for deportation which is a serious issue. If you are in this situation and want to stay, you need to seek specialist advice.

If you are onshore and have filed an application for a further temporary Visa, which hasnt been decided yet, INZ should grant you an “interim Visa” to remain lawfully - valid for six months or until a decision is made on the pending application.

If you have a temporary Visa expiring and have lodged a Residence application, that won’t provide you with an interim Visa.

Visa’s that are due to expire can create significant complications so it pays to plan in advance and if you are stuck here with no valid Visa, we recommend you speak to a specialist today.