Bona fide requirements for New Zealand visa applications
INZ uses the bona fide test to decide whether you genuinely intend to follow the conditions of your visa and leave New Zealand when required.
Concerns often arise when the purpose of travel is unclear, ties to the home country appear weak, evidence is inconsistent or past immigration history raises questions.
This page explains how INZ applies bona fide checks, the risks involved and how we prepare a credible explanation supported by evidence.
Choose your situation
You are applying for a temporary visa
INZ checks whether your travel purpose is genuine, your ties to your home country are strong and your documents support your explanation. Any doubt can trigger a PPI or refusal.
We help you present a clear, consistent purpose supported by relevant documents.
You have previous immigration history
Past overstay, previous refusals, visa conditions breaches or unclear timelines can affect your bona fide assessment.
We analyse your history and rebuild a consistent explanation that matches INZ records.
You need to show strong ties
INZ evaluates family, employment, financial responsibilities and long-term commitments to your home country.
We help you identify and demonstrate ties that support a genuine temporary stay.
What INZ checks under bona fide
INZ assesses whether you
• will comply with visa conditions
• have a genuine and credible travel purpose
• hold strong ties that motivate return
• have stable employment or responsibilities at home
• can fund your travel and stay
• have an immigration history without serious concerns
• provided information that is consistent and reliable
Weak evidence in any of these areas can lead to a refusal.
How we prepare your bona fide explanation
Step 1 Understand the concern
We identify which elements INZ is questioning: ties, purpose, funding, credibility or immigration history.
Step 2 Rebuild your narrative
We create a factual, consistent explanation supported by documents that directly address the concern raised.
Step 3 Present decision-ready evidence
We organise your documents into a clear structure so your intention is credible and easy for INZ to verify.