Master prompt
Citizenship by grant cover letter + document checklist (NZ)
Draft DIA online application cover letter, supporting-documents index, and submission checklist.
NZCitizenshipDIACover letterApplication
Draft a complete cover letter and supporting-documents checklist for [CLIENT_NAME]'s NZ citizenship by grant application via the DIA online portal.
APPLICATION OVERVIEW
• Applicant: [CLIENT_NAME] (DOB: [CLIENT_DOB])
• INZ Client Number: [INZ_CLIENT_NUMBER]
• Children included: No
• Lodgement: Online via Citizenship NZ portal (dia.govt.nz/citizenship)
• Fee: NZ$470 adult, NZ$245 per child (verify current)
§1 — COVER LETTER (250-350 words)
Addressed to: "DIA Citizenship Office, Wellington"
Structure:
(a) Subject: "Application for NZ Citizenship by Grant — [CLIENT_NAME], INZ Client [INZ_CLIENT_NUMBER]"
(b) Representative declaration: "[REPRESENTATIVE_INFO] acts under instruction of the applicant under IAA Code of Conduct 2014 / NZ Law Society rules"
(c) Paragraph: applicant identity, NZ Residence Visa date, eligibility route — Citizenship Act 1977 s.8(2)
(d) Confirmation: online application completed and submitted via DIA portal
(e) Index of supporting documents (lettered) — see §2
(f) Fee statement: NZ$470 paid online; transaction reference recorded
(g) Special-handling requests:
• Citizenship ceremony preference (region — e.g. Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch)
• Oath vs Affirmation preference
• Name as it should appear on certificate
(h) Closing: representative contact, IAA Licence / NZ Lawyer roll number, signature
§2 — SUPPORTING DOCS CHECKLIST
For the ADULT applicant ([CLIENT_NAME]):
A. Online application form — fully completed, e-signed
B. Current passport (biographical page) — and all previous passports held since RR
C. NZ Resident visa label OR e-visa confirmation
D. Original full birth certificate (with parents' names) — non-English certificates must be NAATI / NZ-accredited translated
E. Marriage certificate (if name change post-RR) + any divorce decrees
F. Two photos: passport-style, 35mm × 45mm, recent (within 6 months) — taken by professional photographer, name printed on back
G. Two referees:
• Referee 1 — NZ citizen who has known applicant 12+ months
• Referee 2 — any nationality, known applicant 12+ months
• Both must complete the referee declaration on the online form (DIA emails them directly)
H. Travel history: client-prepared travel log matching passport stamps; days-in-NZ calculation
I. Evidence of NZ residence:
• Tenancy agreement / mortgage statement / Rates notice
• Power, internet, council bills
• Employer letter + IRD records (last 5y)
J. Police clearance:
• NZ Police vetting via DIA (automatic — no client action)
• Overseas police certificates from any country resided in for ≥ 12 months in last 10 years (NZ requires for countries other than NZ)
K. Character disclosure annexure (statutory declaration if any flags)
L. Payment receipt: NZ$470
For EACH MINOR (No):
M. Online application per child
N. Full long-form birth certificate
O. Both parents' ID / passports / NZ residence
P. School enrolment letter
Q. Fee: NZ$245 per child
§3 — POST-LODGEMENT TIMELINE (current published service standard mid-2026 — verify)
• Acknowledgement: 2-4 weeks
• Decision: 12-15 months (DIA published target — varies by complexity)
• Approval letter + ceremony booking: 1-2 months after approval
• Ceremony: held by local council quarterly (most regions)
§4 — RISK FLAGS BEFORE SUBMISSION
□ Any year below 240 days in NZ?
□ Total presence < 1,350 days across 5y?
□ Any criminal / Family Court flag since RR?
□ Overseas police certificates collected for countries resided in 12+ months?
□ Both referees confirmed willing to attest?
□ Name on application matches passport AND birth certificate?
□ Children's birth certificates clearly show both parents?
End with: "DRAFT cover letter + checklist — for IAA-licensed immigration adviser / NZ immigration lawyer review and tailoring. Confirm current DIA fee schedule, current online form revisions, and overseas police certificate requirements (varies by client's residence history). Referees are contacted by DIA directly — confirm both will respond within 14 days of DIA's email."Unlock the vault to see the full prompt