16 February 2026
David Singh
[FYI request #33536 email]
DOIA REQ-0026249
Tēnā koe David
Thank you for your email of 18 January 2026 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
(MBIE) requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following:
I have a few questions regarding Citizenship Endorsement applications and related processes. I am
seeking clarification at a policy and practice level.
1. Foreign passport requirement for Citizenship Endorsement applications
Form INZ1174 states that applicants need to provide their foreign passport for endorsement, but it
does not specify whether the passport must be the original or whether a certified copy is acceptable.
By contrast, the Citizenship Endorsement lodgement guide referenced in OIA request 2324-2258
states that for the foreign passport, “Certified copy or original is required”.
Can you confirm whether either a certified copy or the original foreign passport is acceptable for a
Citizenship Endorsement application?
2. Endorsing multiple foreign passports
Can a New Zealand citizen apply to endorse two or more valid foreign passports, even if not within
a single application?
For example, if a New Zealand citizen also holds Canadian and Thai citizenship, can they apply for
a Citizenship Endorsement for the Canadian passport and then subsequently apply for an
endorsement for the Thai passport, provided both passports are valid?
3. NZ dual citizen travelling solely on a foreign passport without a Citizenship Endorsement
What delays, issues, or additional steps might a New Zealand citizen face if they travel in and out
of New Zealand using only a foreign passport without a Citizenship Endorsement?
Similar to the response provided in OIA request 2324-1444, can you explain what would typically
occur in the following situations, including how border systems (such as eGate, where relevant)
would handle the traveler:
- At airline check-in in New Zealand when departing overseas (assuming the foreign passport is valid
for entry to the destination country);
- At New Zealand border control when departing New Zealand; and
- At New Zealand border control when returning to New Zealand.
In OIA 2324-1444, the response explains what may occur when a person checks in for a flight
returning to New Zealand. I am seeking similar clarification for the situations listed above.
4. Dual citizen travelling with both a foreign passport (without endorsement) and a New Zealand
passport
This question may relate to a different department, but I am including it here for guidance.
OIA 24-575
https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffyi.org.nz%2Frequest%2F2
8484%2Fresponse%2F110237%2Fattach%2F3%2FOIA%252024%2520575%2520Response%2520J
ohn.pdf&data=05%7C02%7CMinisterialServices%40mbie.govt.nz%7C1c28546407e8422bc1a508d
e55b83500%7C78b2bd11e42b47eab0112e04c3af5ec1%7C0%7C0%7C639042446984595872%7C
Unknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4z
MiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C80000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2B6Qdvjm6bvTrpjJQG2
p1BqMG930x8j%2F5rruiqaG3GYU%3D&reserved=0 notes that, to use eGate, passport details and
passenger details must match.
If a New Zealand–United States dual citizen uses their US passport (without a Citizenship
Endorsement) to check in for a flight from New Zealand to the United States, and then proceeds to
border control:
Can the person use their New Zealand passport at eGate?
If not, is the correct process that the person must present their New Zealand passport to an officer
at manual passport control?
I understand that the US passport could not be used at eGate, as it would not be linked to any visa
or endorsement. Please confirm whether the above understanding is correct.
5. Current policy and SOP for assessing Citizenship Endorsement applications
Can you share the latest policy and any SOPs used when assessing Citizenship Endorsement
applications?
I note that the Citizenship Endorsement lodgment guide appears to be at least partially out of date,
as the application fee stated in the guide is no longer correct.
6. Future plans for an online Citizenship Endorsement application
Does the Department / INZ have any plans to move the Citizenship Endorsement application process
to an online system?
If so, what is the expected timeframe?
If not, what are the reasons this is not being considered?
MBIE has assessed and decided to grant your request and will provide you the requested information.
However, it will take us some time to process. We will send you the information as soon as it is ready and
without undue delay.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, or if you require any further assistance,
please contact
[email address]. You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of our decision to extend the
time limit. Information about how to make a complaint is available
at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or
freephone 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Emma Atkins
Manager, Ministerial Services
Office of the Deputy Secretary Immigration
Immigration New Zealand
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
