Affidavit Of Invitation Template for New Zealand

An Affidavit of Invitation is a formal statutory declaration that you must prepare when sponsoring a foreign national's visitor visa application to New Zealand. This document serves as legal proof of your invitation and commitment to support the visitor during their stay, providing Immigration New Zealand with essential information to assess the visa application.

When do you need this document?

You need an Affidavit of Invitation whenever you're inviting someone from overseas to visit New Zealand and want to provide formal sponsorship support. This document is particularly crucial for family reunification visits, where parents or relatives wish to visit New Zealand residents or citizens. Cultural exchange programs, educational visits, and certain business meetings also require this affidavit when the host assumes sponsorship responsibilities. Immigration officers require this document to verify that visitors have genuine support networks and adequate accommodation arrangements during their stay.

Key legal considerations

Your affidavit must be executed before an authorized witness, such as a Justice of the Peace, solicitor, or notary public, as required by the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957. You're legally bound by the declarations you make, meaning false statements can result in criminal charges for perjury. The document must include comprehensive details about your relationship with the invitee, including how and when you met, to establish the genuine nature of the invitation. Financial commitments outlined in the affidavit become legally enforceable obligations, so you must carefully consider your ability to provide promised support. Privacy Act 2020 requirements mean you must handle personal information appropriately when collecting and including details about the invitee.

Legal requirements in New Zealand

Under the Immigration Act 2009, your affidavit must contain specific mandatory information including your full legal details as the sponsor, complete invitee information with passport details, and clear description of proposed accommodation arrangements. The Evidence Act 2006 requires proper formatting and execution to ensure the document's admissibility in legal proceedings if needed. You must declare your relationship history with the invitee, including correspondence evidence and previous visits if applicable. Financial support commitments must be clearly stated with evidence of your ability to provide such support, including income statements or bank declarations. If you're using an immigration adviser to assist with the affidavit, they must be licensed under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. The completed affidavit must be submitted within validity periods specified by Immigration New Zealand and accompanied by supporting documentation to verify your claims.