Policy verified from immigration.govt.nz as of 2026-04-13
A Special Direction under the Immigration Act 2009 allows the Minister of Immigration to waive or bypass specific immigration rules for exceptional cases. The Minister has absolute discretion and can set custom conditions. No person has a legal right to a Special Direction — it is a privilege reserved for genuinely exceptional circumstances.
Source: immigration.govt.nz — 2026-04-13
What Is a Special Direction?
If you do not qualify for a resident or temporary visa — often due to serious character or medical issues — the Minister of Immigration has the power to issue a Special Direction. This allows the Minister to waive or bypass specific rules that would otherwise prevent you from obtaining a visa.
The Minister holds "absolute discretion" under the Immigration Act 2009 and can decide which criteria your application must satisfy, including custom conditions.
When Is a Special Direction Used?
- Character waivers: Allowing entry for those with past deportation or serious legal issues
- Medical exceptions: Overcoming ASH findings for critical workers or family members
- Fee and requirement waivers: Bypassing standard requirements in exceptional circumstances
- Inviting residency: The Minister can personally invite an individual to apply for residency
- Varying conditions: Changing work rights or stay duration of a visa otherwise locked by law
Important Facts
- No person has a legal right to be granted a Special Direction — it is a privilege
- The Minister can attach specific custom conditions to any visa granted
- These decisions are made at the highest level of government
- Non-compliance with a Special Direction is a breach of visa conditions
How ProVisas Helps
- We assess whether your case qualifies for a Special Direction request
- We prepare expert legal submissions for the Minister's office
- Typical fees: NZ$3,000-$5,500 plus GST — fixed-fee quote provided upfront
- Honest assessment — we never give false hope about your chances
Frequently Asked Questions
A Special Direction is a power under the Immigration Act 2009 allowing the Minister of Immigration to waive or bypass specific immigration rules that would otherwise prevent you from obtaining a visa. It is reserved for genuinely exceptional circumstances.
No. Special Directions are rare and only granted for genuinely exceptional cases. Your submission must be professionally prepared, factually strong, and supported by compelling evidence.
Common uses include character waivers for past deportation or serious convictions, medical exceptions for critical workers, fee and requirement waivers in exceptional circumstances, and ministerial invitations to apply for residency.
ProVisas professional fees typically range from NZ$3,000-$5,500 plus GST. A fixed-fee quote is provided after your initial assessment.
The Minister has absolute discretion and no person has a legal right to a Special Direction. If refused, options may be limited. ProVisas provides an honest assessment of your chances before you invest.
