NZ immigration: check your decision, deadline and visa status
A temporary visa refusal, residence decline, deportation notice and exploitation report have different processes. Use the comparisons below to identify the published route and questions to take to a qualified adviser. Keep the decision letter, delivery record and visa expiry date together.
Key points
- Identify the decision and your current status separately. A pending application, residence appeal or legal consultation does not itself grant a visa or extend its expiry.
- Eligible temporary-visa reconsideration is an onshore process with a 14-day receipt-based limit and a requirement to remain lawful when requesting it. The Act’s time-counting rules matter.
- An eligible residence appeal must ordinarily reach the Immigration and Protection Tribunal within 42 days after notification. The Tribunal cannot extend that period; do not simply count 42 calendar days.
- Refugee or protection appeals generally have 10 working days, or five when detained under the relevant part of the Act. Deportation notices and becoming unlawful have different rules and exclusions.
- Current fees differ: standard temporary reconsideration NZ$220, residence and specified deportation appeals NZ$964 including GST, and no fee for the refugee/protection appeal itself. See the qualifications below.
- Personal immigration advice must come from a licensed adviser or a person exempt under the Act, such as an appropriately qualified New Zealand lawyer. AI information and a paid initial consultation are different services.
There is no single appeal route or deadline for every New Zealand visa decision. An eligible onshore temporary-visa reconsideration generally needs a request within 14 days of receiving the refusal while you are still lawful. A residence appeal ordinarily has 42 days from notification, with statutory counting rules. Refugee deadlines can be much shorter. A challenge does not automatically extend a visa. Check the route, fees and documents below and obtain individual advice promptly.
Checked on 23 October 2026: the current Immigration Act, advice-licensing legislation, Tribunal and visa regulations, residence appeal guide, WI20 instructions and official guidance linked below. Sources and limits of this check.
Which decision or problem are you dealing with?
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) makes visa decisions under the Immigration Act 2009 and immigration instructions. The Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT) is an independent appeal body. A complaint about service, a reconsideration, a Tribunal appeal and court review are different processes.
Scroll the tables sideways to compare all columns.
| Situation | Published route to check | Bring to advice |
|---|---|---|
| Further temporary visa declined while in New Zealand | Section 185 reconsideration, if its onshore, timing and lawful-status conditions are met. | Refusal, original application, receipt date, current visa and expiry. |
| Residence class visa declined | Possible section 187 appeal to the IPT; exclusions and permitted grounds apply. | Decision and notification record, original application, relevant instructions and evidence. |
| Visa expired or deportation notice/order received | Urgent status and deportation advice. A humanitarian appeal or exceptional section 61 request is not available in every case. | Visa history, notice/order, service dates and any reconsideration or previous appeal. |
| Refugee or protected-person decision | Specialist appeal route with short working-day periods; a linked humanitarian appeal may also be required. | Complete decision, notification record and any detention or deportation papers. |
| Employer exploitation | Employment NZ reporting and, if eligible, a separate Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa application. | Employer-named visa, employment records and any assessment letter. |
Use the current official appeal forms and guides and INZ decision guidance. An enquiry or complaint is not a substitute for an appeal. Obtain advice before travel, a guilty plea or a change of employer if immigration consequences may arise.
Check the trigger before counting days
A residence appeal under section 187 ordinarily has 42 days after notification, not simply the date printed on the decision. Section 6 and the Tribunal’s residence guide explain excluded days. Weekends generally count, but specified holidays and the Christmas/New Year period affect the calculation. Email delivery can matter even if you read the message later. Preserve the original email and envelope or delivery record and have the exact last date checked.
The Tribunal cannot extend the residence appeal period. It must receive the correct completed and signed appeal and the required fee in time. A payment receipt alone does not lodge an appeal. Do not wait for a consultation before checking the official filing requirements.
Residence appeal grounds concern whether the decision was correct under the residence instructions applicable when the application was made, and/or special circumstances warrant a recommendation for an exception. Some decisions are excluded from appeal. New evidence is restricted by section 189, with defined exceptions; an appeal is not simply a replacement application. Residence appeals are ordinarily decided on the papers. See INZ’s residence appeal guide.
Scroll the tables sideways to compare all columns.
| Route | Ordinary period and trigger | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary-visa reconsideration under section 185 | 14 days after receiving notice of refusal. | Must still be lawful when requesting; section 6 counting rules apply. |
| Residence appeal under section 187 | 42 days after notification of the decision. | Excluded-day rules apply; no Tribunal extension. Appeal and fee must arrive in time. |
| Refugee/protection appeal under sections 194–195 | 10 working days after notification; five if detained under Part 9. | Specific working-day definition and special-circumstances extension power. Check whether a humanitarian appeal must be lodged at the same time. |
These are selected routes, not an individual deadline calculation. Deportation and court proceedings have distinct rules. After an IPT decision, a High Court law-point appeal or judicial review may require leave and a 28-day application; extension rules differ and some require an application before expiry. Obtain specialist advice immediately rather than treating every 28-day period alike.
Temporary reconsideration does not extend your visa
Section 185 applies to a defined onshore application for a further temporary visa made while the existing temporary visa was current, where the Minister did not make the refusal. The reconsideration request must be timely and made while you remain lawfully in New Zealand. Follow the official reconsideration process and prescribed form or written requirements.
A different officer of equal or senior grade, or the Minister, reconsiders the decision. There is no second statutory reconsideration after confirmation. Temporary visa decisions do not have an ordinary Tribunal appeal; limited court-review issues are separate, with offshore exclusions.
A fresh application is not available to everyone in every status. In particular, an interim-visa holder cannot apply for another visa class or type under section 80(3). Check the actual eVisa, entry permission and conditions. Submitting a new application does not itself make your stay lawful or guarantee an interim visa.
Scroll the tables sideways to compare all columns.
| Action | Visa status | Deportation position |
|---|---|---|
| Valid section 185 reconsideration | Does not extend the existing visa. | The person may not be deported until that reconsideration is determined or withdrawn. |
| Residence appeal | Does not grant or extend a visa. | Without a valid visa, deportation can still start; obtain separate status advice. |
| Section 61 request or private legal booking | Does not grant lawful status. | No automatic protection from deportation merely because the request or booking was made. |
Do not confuse a statutory restriction on deportation with permission to work, study or remain lawfully after visa expiry. Do not deliberately overstay to try to access a different route.
Expired visas, deportation notices and criminal cases
An unlawful person is liable for deportation. Section 154 ordinarily allows a humanitarian appeal within 42 days after first becoming unlawful, but unsuccessful reconsideration can change the trigger and important exclusions apply. This is a different clock from a residence refusal. A previous opportunity to appeal, limited visa or other statutory exclusion may remove the route.
A section 61 request is exceptional discretion for an unlawful person with no deportation or removal order in force. There is no entitlement to apply, no obligation to consider the request and no guarantee of a visa. Making the request does not automatically stop deportation. It is not an ordinary appeal or a normal substitute for applying while lawful.
For eligible temporary or interim visa holders under section 157, the 14-day opportunity to give good reason against deportation and the 28-day humanitarian appeal after service are different steps; exclusions apply. Read the ground on the actual notice and obtain advice immediately.
Resident criminal-deportation rules depend on the offence, available or imposed sentence and relevant residence and offence dates. Since 27 May 2026, section 161 expressly includes a finding of guilt or guilty plea as well as a conviction, subject to its criteria. Do not assume only an imposed prison sentence matters or that every charge means deportation. Seek immigration advice before entering a plea.
A humanitarian appeal requires exceptional humanitarian circumstances making deportation unjust or unduly harsh and that allowing the person to remain would not be contrary to the public interest. Hardship alone is not an automatic exemption. Refugee/protection cases and linked appeals need specialist attention.
Employer exploitation and the protection visa
Migrant workers retain minimum employment rights even when working unlawfully. Employment NZ accepts exploitation reports on 0800 200 088, Monday–Friday 8am–5:30pm except public holidays; interpreters are available. If there is immediate physical danger, call 111 and ask for Police.
The Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa is a separate application. Eligibility includes being in New Zealand with a current work visa naming the relevant employer, a credible exploitation assessment by MBIE, the assessment letter and other visa requirements. Open, limited and interim visas are not qualifying employer-named work visas. Reporting alone does not grant a visa, preserve status or permit a change of employer.
Current WI20 instructions require application within one month of receiving the Report of Exploitation Assessment Letter. Keep both its sent and received dates and act promptly. The application fee and specified levies are exempt. The visa may be granted for up to six months, subject to the remaining-visa rules; a further MEPV cannot be based on the same report.
If granted, follow the actual work and travel conditions. The visa does not provide multiple-entry travel; leaving New Zealand ends it. Preserve the employment agreement, visa conditions, hours, pay and bank records, messages and assessment letter. Specific exploitation-related matters can be disregarded in assessment, but this is not general immunity from immigration consequences.
Current review and appeal fees
These are New Zealand-dollar government fees, separate from any lawyer or private arrangement fee. The current IPT Regulations set the NZ$964 fee from 1 July 2026. Check the official forms and fee page and visa regulations before filing.
Scroll the tables sideways to compare all columns.
| Process | Current fee | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Standard temporary-visa reconsideration | NZ$220. | Use the prescribed INZ route and satisfy the status and time requirements. |
| Residence appeal under section 187 | NZ$964 including GST. | One fee can cover the principal applicant and qualifying partner/dependent children included in the original application under regulation 6. |
| Specified deportation appeals under sections 201 or 206 | NZ$964 including GST. | Family and combined-appeal fee rules differ; do not assume one payment covers everyone. |
| Refugee/protected-person appeal itself | No filing fee. | An associated humanitarian appeal may separately attract a fee. |
The Tribunal says the required filing fee cannot be waived. Refund powers are limited; do not assume withdrawal produces a refund. Translation, evidence and professional work can cost extra. The residence form, signatures, attachments and payment must reach the right body in time; preserve confirmation. Current official email, post, courier and online requirements differ.
Qualified advice and free assistance
Under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act, personal immigration advice must come from a licensed adviser or an exempt person. New Zealand lawyers are one exemption; other exemptions have defined limits. Check the IAA licensing guidance and register route and the adviser’s licence or relevant professional status. Free advice can also be regulated.
Providing published information is different from tailoring recommendations about your eligibility, answers or evidence. Legal Hotline’s free AI line is for general information and signposting, not individual immigration advice or representation. It does not submit an application or create a lawyer-client relationship.
Legal aid is not available for every immigration appeal. Legal Services Act section 7 excludes residence appeals under section 187 and unlawful-status humanitarian appeals under section 154. Refugee/protection and some other proceedings may qualify, subject to the applicable financial, merits and other requirements. Community Law assistance also depends on eligibility and availability.
Five things to prepare before advice or filing
- Keep the complete decision or notice, original email and delivery record. Record notification, receipt, expiry and hearing dates, including notices sent to a representative.
- Collect current and earlier eVisas, passport details, entry/travel history and actual interim-visa grants. Record your current location and any proposed travel or work change.
- Gather the original application and attachments, INZ requests and replies, client/application numbers and any previous reconsideration or appeal result. Prepare a short dated chronology.
- For deportation or criminal matters, include the notice/order, service record, charges, plea, decision and sentence papers. For exploitation, include employment and pay records and the assessment letter. Preserve originals and use accurate translations where required.
- Check the current official form, signature/consent requirements, permitted filing method, required fee and receipt. Ask a qualified adviser about eligibility, the exact deadline, lawful status, evidence restrictions, urgency and costs. A hotline payment is not a government filing.
This is a general preparation checklist, not a complete application specification or individual immigration advice. Do not send passports, bank records or case evidence to a public comment form; use the official or agreed professional channel.
Arrange an initial lawyer consultation — NZ$295
Discuss the decision, your current status, the exact deadline and any urgent step with an independent New Zealand lawyer. Ask whether the lawyer can take the matter and what further advice, drafting, filing or representation would cost. An initial consultation does not include those services unless expressly agreed.
Legal Hotline is not a law firm. Its optional NZ$295 including GST matching and arrangement service advertises an initial consultation with an independent New Zealand lawyer, with no additional lawyer charge for that consultation. Further work and fees are agreed separately.
Confirm suitability, conflicts, acceptance, availability and scope before relying on a booking for an urgent deadline. Booking does not lodge an appeal, extend a visa or stop deportation. The free 0800 461 100 line provides AI-generated general information and signposting, not personal immigration advice, INZ assistance or Tribunal representation.
Official help and free legal information
Use the relevant official body for procedure or status information and a licensed or exempt professional for personal advice. Eligibility and availability vary; contacting a service does not stop a deadline.
Immigration New Zealand — information and status enquiries
0508 558 855 is toll-free from NZ landlines only; Auckland/overseas +64 9 914 4100. Monday–Friday 6am–10pm NZT, excluding NZ public holidays. Have your client/application number and ask for an interpreter if needed.
Immigration and Protection Tribunal — forms and procedure
(09) 914 4299; IPT@justice.govt.nz. Published office hours are Monday–Friday 8:30am–4:30pm. The Tribunal cannot advise on your immigration status. Follow the current forms page for filing and payment; post and courier addresses differ.
Employment NZ — report migrant exploitation
0800 200 088, Monday–Friday 8am–5:30pm except public holidays; interpreters available. A report is not a visa application or automatic protection of immigration status.
Community Law — free legal help
Local centres assist eligible people, including those on low incomes or facing serious problems or particular challenges. Appointment arrangements and immigration assistance vary; representation is not guaranteed.
Legal aid — check eligibility and exclusions
Some refugee/protection and other proceedings may qualify. Section 187 residence appeals and section 154 unlawful-status humanitarian appeals are excluded by statute. Other financial and merits requirements apply.
Common questions about NZ visa decisions
My residence visa was declined. How long do I have to appeal?
If section 187 gives you an appeal right, the IPT must ordinarily receive the completed appeal and NZ$964 fee within 42 days after you are notified. The Act has excluded-day rules, so do not simply count 42 calendar days or start from the date printed on the decision. The Tribunal cannot extend this period. Appeal grounds, exclusions and evidence restrictions apply, and appealing does not extend your visa. Obtain advice with the full decision and delivery record.
Can I challenge a temporary visa refusal?
A defined onshore application for a further temporary visa may qualify for section 185 reconsideration: request it within 14 days after receiving notice, subject to statutory counting rules, while still lawfully in New Zealand. The standard fee is NZ$220. Reconsideration does not extend the current visa, although a valid request prevents deportation until determined or withdrawn. There is no ordinary Tribunal appeal from a temporary refusal; limited court-review questions and later deportation rights are separate.
What if my visa has expired or I face criminal charges?
Obtain immigration advice promptly. An unlawful person may have a time-limited humanitarian appeal, but triggers and exclusions matter. A section 61 request is exceptional discretion for an unlawful person with no deportation or removal order in force, and does not automatically stop deportation. Resident criminal-deportation rules can cover a guilty finding or plea as well as conviction, subject to offence and residence criteria. Get advice before a plea; not every charge means deportation.
Does reporting employer exploitation protect my visa automatically?
No. Reporting to Employment NZ is separate from applying for and being granted a protection visa. MEPV eligibility includes being in New Zealand on a current work visa naming the employer, a credible assessment, the assessment letter and other requirements. Current instructions require application within one month of receiving that letter. Reporting alone does not extend a visa or permit a change of employer. Workers retain minimum employment rights even if working unlawfully; seek help promptly.
Who can give personal immigration advice in New Zealand?
A licensed immigration adviser or a person exempt under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act, such as a suitably qualified New Zealand lawyer. Other exemptions have defined limits, so check the person’s licence or exemption and professional status. Free advice can be regulated too. Published general information and signposting differ from tailored advice about eligibility, application answers or evidence. The free AI line does not provide personal immigration advice.
Does the NZ$295 consultation include lodging an appeal?
No. The optional NZ$295 including GST is the advertised matching and arrangement fee for an initial consultation with an independent New Zealand lawyer, with no additional lawyer charge for that consultation. Drafting, filing, representation and further work are separate unless expressly agreed. Confirm acceptance, scope and availability. Booking does not lodge an appeal, extend a visa or pause a deadline or deportation; government filing fees are separate.
Sources and update record
Checked on 23 October 2026 against the current Immigration Act, advice-licensing legislation, relevant regulations, May 2026 residence guide, current WI20 instructions and official guidance below. Statutory counting and eligibility rules qualify simplified web summaries. This page does not calculate an individual deadline or audit every visa category, salary/points requirement, service presumption, court procedure or health/character criterion. The 27 May 2026 criminal-deportation change is current; later scheduled amendments are not treated as already in force.
- Immigration Act 2009 — current version
- Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007
- Immigration and Protection Tribunal Regulations 2010
- Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters Regulations 2010
- IPT Amendment Regulations 2026 — July fee change
- Immigration Amendment Act 2025 — commencement and section 161 change
- Legal Services Act 2011 — immigration exclusions
- INZ — declined visas
- INZ — temporary reconsideration
- INZ — residence appeals
- IPT — residence appeal guide, 27 May 2026
- IPT — current forms and fees
- IPT — making an appeal
- INZ — expired visas and section 61
- INZ — Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
- INZ — current WI20 instructions
- Employment NZ — exploitation reporting and help
- IAA — licensing and information/advice boundary
- INZ — contact details
- IPT — contact details
- Community Law — free help
- Ministry of Justice — civil legal aid
- Legal Hotline New Zealand — advertised booking
- Legal Hotline — lawyer arrangements
- Legal Hotline — published customer terms
General information only, not legal advice. Updated . Checked against the sources above on 23 October 2026.