There are times when Immigration New Zealand may decline visa applications. There is some scope for declined decisions to be challenged if sufficient compelling and substantial reasons to argue the decision exist.

Different avenues include applying for re-consideration (mainly on temporary visa applications), applying to the Immigration & Protection Tribunal (IPT) or requesting a special direction from the Minister of Immigration.

Not all declined applications can be challenged as INZ officers do exercise due diligence when declining an application. You will need specialist advice from us to check on your eligibility for a reconsideration or review by the Immigration & Protection Tribunal.

We are very happy to represent you when appealing to the Immigration & Protection Tribunal against an incorrect decision made by Immigration New Zealand.

The Immigration & Protection Tribunal hears and determines appeals concerning:

• decisions about residence class visas
• decisions about the recognition of a person as a refugee or protected person
• liability for deportation
• decisions to stop recognising a person as a refugee or protected person
• decisions to cancel the recognition of a New Zealand citizen as a refugee or protected person.

The tribunal is administered by the Ministry of Justice. The tribunal is chaired by a District Court Judge appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Attorney-General. It has 18 members, appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice.