Need a Character Waiver for Your New Zealand Visa? We Can Help

If Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has raised character concerns about your visa application, it may feel like the end of the road - but it doesn’t have to be. A Character Waiver can allow your visa to be granted, even if you don’t technically meet INZ’s good character requirement.

At Immigration Trust, we specialise in responding to Potentially Prejudicial Information (PPI) letters and securing character waivers for clients facing past convictions, overstays, or misrepresentation issues.

What Triggers Character Concerns with INZ?​

INZ may question your character if you have:
  • Criminal convictions (NZ or overseas)
  • Provided false or misleading information
  • Overstayed your visa and committed an offence while unlawful
  • Convictions for drink-driving or other traffic offences
  • Past association with extremist groups or hate-promoting organisations
These concerns apply across residence, work, student, and visitor visa categories.

​When a Visa May Be Automatically Declined on Character Grounds​​

Your visa can be automatically declined if you:
  • Were convicted of immigration, drug, dishonesty, or sexual offences
  • Received a prison sentence (even if suspended)
  • Committed an offence while unlawfully in New Zealand
  • Were convicted of dangerous driving, DUI, or drug-related offences
  • Supplied forged or false documents
  • Publicly promoted hate speech or were part of an extremist group
But INZ is required to assess your circumstances before making a final decision. That’s where a Character Waiver can make the difference.

​What is a Character Waiver?

A Character Waiver allows INZ to approve a visa despite character issues if your personal situation justifies an exception.
INZ will consider:
  • The type and seriousness of the offence
  • How long ago it occurred
  • Whether it was a one-off or repeated
  • If you were young or made an unintentional mistake
  • Your rehabilitation efforts or community involvement
  • Your ties to New Zealand – family, work, community
  • Your contribution to NZ society – skills, job, business, etc.

How Immigration Trust Helps with Character Waivers

We’ve helped clients avoid visa declines due to:
  • Drink-driving convictions
  • Dishonesty or fraud charges
  • Historic overstays or unlawful status
  • Criminal history abroad
With us, you get:
  • Expert review of your PPI letter and legal position
  • A tailored character waiver submission
  • Help gathering evidence (e.g., police certificates, support letters)
  • Professional representation to INZ
  • ​Guidance on how to present your surrounding circumstances clearly and persuasively

​Successful Character Waiver Cases

We’ve helped many clients overcome character-related visa issues. Here are a few of our recent successes:
  • Client faced character concerns due to a past drink-driving conviction while applying for a work-to-residence visa. On an interim visa with his wife and child as dependants, he needed urgent support. We prepared and submitted a strong character waiver, which was approved by a senior INZ officer. He has now entrusted us with his resident visa application. Read the full story
  • Client sought help after a recent common assault discharge and an expiring work visa. We prepared a strong character waiver and successfully responded to multiple PPI letters, resulting in work visa approval. He later returned for his 2021 Resident Visa, which also required a waiver, and was again approved.​ Read the full story
  • Client failed to disclose previous visa declines to Canada and Australia in earlier work visa applications. During a paid consultation, he engaged us to handle his 2021 Resident Visa, which required a character waiver. We submitted a proactive, well-prepared application and secured residency for his entire family without receiving a PPI letter. Read the full story
  • Client charged under section 189(2) of the Crimes Act 1961 for injuring with intent, which required a character waiver for his 2021 Resident Visa. After finding Simon online, he engaged us immediately. We prepared a detailed waiver submission, which passed multiple INZ reviews. The waiver was approved, and his resident visa granted. Read the full story
  • Client faced character concerns during his 2021 Resident Visa application after working with another lawyer who became unresponsive. He found us online, consulted with Simon, and quickly engaged our services. Simon secured an extension, prepared a strong character waiver, and the client’s entire family was granted residency. ​Read the full story
  • Client’s partner received a Deportation Liability Notice (DLN), putting their planned partnership visa at risk due to character concerns. After engaging Simon, we successfully secured a two-year DLN suspension, allowing them to submit a character waiver. The application was approved, and her work visa was granted. Read the full story
  • Client faced a character issue for breaching visa conditions by not reporting a change in employer after a declined Variation of Conditions. After consulting with Simon, we prepared a comprehensive 2021 Resident Visa submission with a character waiver. INZ approved the application, and residency was granted. Read the full story
  • Client’s partnership visa was initially declined for working unlawfully on an Interim Visa. After poor advice from a previous adviser, they turned to Simon for help. We responded to a PPI notice with strong evidence and a character waiver, leading to work visa approval and renewed hope for residency. Read the full story
  • Client with past character issues faced challenges securing both a work visa and later a resident visa. With Simon’s expert guidance and dedication, we first achieved work visa approval, then successfully prepared a character waiver for his residency, which was also granted. Read the full story
  • In 2021, a client applying for a Work to Residence Visa faced a character issue that put his immigration future at risk. He turned to Simon for expert help. With a carefully prepared character waiver and strong application, his resident visa was approved, marking a fresh start in New Zealand. ​Read the full story
  • Client unintentionally breached visa conditions after returning from India and switching employers while on an Essential Skills Work Visa. With a pending 2021 Resident Visa, he consulted Simon, who addressed the character issue with INZ. After thorough preparation, his residency was approved. Read the full story
  • A Brazilian woman married to a New Zealand resident faced a partnership visa decline due to character concerns. After engaging Simon post-decline, we appealed to the IPT, filed a Section 61 request, and prepared a strong character waiver. Despite her unlawful status during the process, her resident visa was ultimately approved. Read the full story
  • Client initially omitted his relationship details in a 2016 visa application based on poor online advice, creating a character issue. Years later, while applying for a partnership-based work visa, he engaged Simon to address the past omission. With a clear strategy and strong representation, the character waiver was accepted, and his visa was approved. Read the full story
  • In 2021, a family’s resident visa application was put at risk due to the husband requiring a character waiver. After receiving a PPI letter, the family engaged our team. We prepared a detailed character waiver and a strong response to INZ’s concerns. The resident visas were approved. Read the full story
  • A Fijian national, previously deported from New Zealand, faced repeated visa rejections due to character concerns. After a paid consultation, Simon advised pursuing a Ministerial Intervention supported by a detailed character waiver. Nine months later, the waiver was granted, and the client was reunited with his wife in New Zealand. Read the full story
  • While applying for the 2021 Resident Visa, a client received an RFI from INZ regarding her partner’s past character issue. She engaged Simon, who prepared a detailed character waiver submission with strong supporting evidence. INZ accepted the waiver, and the family’s residency was approved. Read the full story

Received a PPI Letter? Time Is Critical.

INZ usually gives a tight deadline to respond to PPI letters. A strong and timely response can mean the difference between visa approval or rejection.
Don’t leave it to chance — let our experienced team handle it strategically.

Get a Confidential Character Waiver Assessment Today

If you’re dealing with criminal convictions, misrepresentation, or character-related issues in your New Zealand visa application, we’ll help you understand your options and build the strongest possible case.

Not sure if you are ready?