On this page
- Overview (What is Form INZ 1024?)
- Context and workflow
- Failure prevention (What causes Form INZ 1024 rejections?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form INZ 1024?)
- Checklist (What is the Form INZ 1024 checklist?)
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form INZ 1024 have?)
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form INZ 1024?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form INZ 1024?)
- Scenarios
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Overview (What is Form INZ 1024?)
#The INZ 1024 Sponsorship Form for Residence is designed to formalize the sponsorship relationship between a New Zealand resident or organization and a person applying for a residence visa. It ensures that the sponsor is aware of their responsibilities and is committed to supporting the applicant financially and socially. Typically, this form is filed by New Zealand citizens, residents, or organizations who wish to sponsor a family member, employee, or other individuals seeking residence.
It is a crucial step in the immigration process, as it provides assurance to the immigration authorities that the applicant will have adequate support upon arrival. After filing, the form is reviewed by immigration officials to verify the sponsor's eligibility and commitment, which plays a significant role in the overall decision on the residence application. Depending on your case type, INZ 1024 may be filed alongside Form INZ-1198, Form INZ-1017, or other related forms.
Context and workflow
#This form initiates the sponsorship process, which is a key step in the residency application. If approved, the applicant may proceed to the next stage of their residency application. Processing time for INZ 1024 varies by case type and current workload — always check the official INZ 1024 processing time tool.
Where it fits in the workflow
- This form initiates the sponsorship process, which is a key step in the residency application.
- After submission, the sponsor may receive a receipt notice confirming that the form has been filed.
Who uses it
Sponsors and certain household members use INZ 1024 to document financial support obligations for an intending immigrant.
When it is used
- When a sponsor must document financial support obligations for an intending immigrant
- After the underlying petition is approved and financial sponsorship is required
- As part of the immigrant visa or adjustment process where sponsorship applies
Failure prevention (What causes Form INZ 1024 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Insufficient evidence of financial capacity to support the applicant.
- Lack of clear documentation proving the relationship with the applicant.
- To avoid insufficient income or incomplete financial evidence: Use current poverty guidelines; include all required tax and employment evidence.
What you need (What do you need for Form INZ 1024?)
#- The current edition of INZ 1024
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Copy of your filed or approved INZ-1198 (Filed with partner visa application)
- Copy of your filed or approved INZ-1017 (Sponsor supports a visitor application)
- Federal income tax returns for the most recent three tax years
- Evidence of current employment or income sources
Checklist (What is the Form INZ 1024 checklist?)
#- Download the current INZ 1024 and instructions from the official INZ 1024 website
- Review the INZ 1024 instructions for sponsor and household requirements
- Complete all required sections of INZ 1024
- Sign, date, and submit INZ 1024 with all required supporting evidence

Example receipt notice for INZ 1024
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Visitor and Short-term | 3 to 4 weeksas of February 2026 |
- Processing time for INZ 1024 under "Visitor and Short-term": 3 to 4 weeks (as of February 2026).
- Processing times for INZ 1024 vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Processing times for this form vary by INZ office and current workload. Verify current processing times with INZ.
Where to file
#Submit your application at the designated INZ office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Submit application
Submit your application at the INZ office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official INZ website before submitting. For related guidance, see parent-resident.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form inz 1024. Check the official fee schedule for the current amount. | See official schedule |
Can the Form INZ 1024 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
INZ will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see partner-resident.
Fees change; always verify on INZ.
Form sections (What sections does Form INZ 1024 have?)
#Applicant Details
Investor personal information.
- Full name and date of birth
- Nationality and passport details
- Business experience summary
Investment Details
Proposed investment information.
- Total investment amount
- Source of funds documentation
- Proposed investment type (government bonds, equities, managed funds, etc.)
Business Experience
Professional background.
- Business ownership or management history
- Years of experience
- Industry sector
Settlement Plan
Plans for life in New Zealand.
- Intended place of residence
- Family members included
- Time to be spent in NZ (minimum residence requirements)
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Insufficient income or incomplete financial evidence | Rejection | Use current poverty guidelines; include all required tax and employment evidence. |
Examples (What are examples for Form INZ 1024?)
#- Strong application: A sponsor provides comprehensive financial records and a detailed explanation of their relationship with the applicant; the application is approved smoothly.
- Common weakness: A sponsor submits the form without proof of income or tax details; the application is delayed due to the need for additional information.
- A U.S. citizen petitioning for a family member completes INZ 1024 to demonstrate financial ability to support the immigrant
- A joint sponsor uses INZ 1024 when the primary sponsor's income falls below the required threshold
- An applicant in the Partner-resident category files INZ 1024 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form INZ 1024?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Approval of this form does not grant immigration status by itself
- The financial obligation can continue after filing, depending on the case outcome
- The financial obligation ends once the immigrant enters the country — The sponsor's obligation under INZ 1024 continues until the immigrant becomes a citizen, earns 40 qualifying quarters, departs permanently, or the sponsor dies.
Scenarios
#A Chinese investor applies for an Investor 2 Resident Visa using INZ 1024 with NZD 3 million in investment funds and a clean business history.
Investor visa approved. Funds must be transferred to approved NZ investments within 12 months. Residence granted upon compliance.
Investment funds must be legally earned and independently verified. Start the source-of-funds documentation process early as it is the most scrutinized part.
An applicant cannot clearly demonstrate the legal source of their investment funds.
Application declined. Source of funds documentation is assessed rigorously and must trace the funds through legitimate channels.
Provide a complete paper trail: business financial statements, tax returns, property sales contracts, investment portfolios. Gaps in the source-of-funds chain will cause decline.
An investor receives approval but does not transfer the required funds within the specified timeframe.
Visa conditions not met. Residence status not confirmed and the investor may need to reapply.
Plan the fund transfer logistics before approval. International transfers of this size require advance preparation with banks in both countries.
Why it matters
#Sponsorship obligations vary depending on the applicant's visa category.
Why it matters: Understanding the specific obligations ensures the sponsor is prepared to meet all requirements, preventing potential issues with the application.
The form requires detailed financial information from the sponsor.
Why it matters: Providing accurate financial details is crucial for demonstrating the sponsor's ability to support the applicant, which is a key factor in the application's success.
Sponsors must be aware of their legal obligations under New Zealand law.
Why it matters: Failure to understand these obligations can lead to legal consequences and affect the sponsor's ability to support future applications.
Next steps
#- Receive a notice confirming that the form has been filed.
- Wait for any requests for additional information or documentation.
- If approved, the applicant may proceed to the next stage of their residency application.
- Monitor the status of the application through the provided channels.
Verification
#This guide is derived from official INZ instructions for INZ 1024 and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official INZ website.
Resources
#FAQs
Can I file INZ 1024 if I've already left the country or my situation has changed?
This form initiates the sponsorship process, which is a key step in the residency application. Eligibility and filing requirements can change based on your location or situation. Review the official INZ 1024 instructions to determine whether your circumstances allow you to file.
Do I need to file INZ 1024 if I'm only updating my address or contact information?
Address or contact updates may be handled through a dedicated form or through your online account, depending on the agency's procedures. INZ 1024 may not be required for simple address changes. Check the official instructions to see which form or process applies to your type of update.
What happens if the applicant's situation changes after filing?
Changes in the applicant's situation may affect the sponsorship and should be communicated to INZ 1024. The specific timing depends on your case type and circumstances. Generally, forms should be filed according to the sequence outlined in the official instructions for your immigration category.
Is there a limit to the number of people I can sponsor?
There may be limits based on the sponsor's financial capacity and previous sponsorship commitments. Review the official INZ 1024 instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
What is INZ 1024?
INZ 1024 is the Sponsorship Form for Residence.
Can I file INZ 1024 together with other forms?
Depending on your eligibility category, you may be able to file the INZ 1024 alongside other forms. It is essential to consult the official instructions to determine which forms can be submitted together in your specific case.
Do I need to provide a mailing address for INZ 1024?
You need a reliable mailing address for notices and card delivery. If you do not have a stable address, INZ allows alternatives (e.g., a representative's address or safe mailing options) per official rules — review the instructions for your situation.
How long does it take to process INZ 1024?
Processing time for INZ 1024 under "Visitor and Short-term": 3 to 4 weeks (as of February 2026). Processing times vary by eligibility category, filing location, and current workload. Check the INZ processing times tool for the most current estimates for your specific category.
Can I request a fee waiver for INZ 1024?
Fee waivers may be available for certain applicants who demonstrate financial hardship or meet specific criteria. Not all forms are eligible for fee waivers. Review the official instructions for INZ 1024 and the INZ fee waiver policy to determine whether your situation qualifies.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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