Was Your New Zealand Visa Application Declined? Here's What to Do Next

If your New Zealand visa application has been unsuccessful, don’t panic. A decline doesn’t always mean the end of your immigration journey.

In many cases, you may be able to challenge the decision, apply for reconsideration, or appeal through the Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT).

​Why Was My Visa Declined?

One of the most common reasons for temporary visa declines is failing to meet the "bona fide" requirement.
To be considered bona fide, you must prove that:
  • You genuinely intend to stay in New Zealand for a short time (for temporary visas)
  • You do not pose a risk of overstaying
  • You will follow all visa conditions and New Zealand laws
If Immigration New Zealand (INZ) doubts your intentions, they can decline your application. This is especially common if:
  • You are from a non–visa-waiver country
  • Your application lacked strong documentation or explanation
  • You have prior visa issues or overstays
If this has happened to you, Immigration Trust can help you respond properly or prepare a stronger application.

You Have the Right to Know Why

Your immigration officer must provide written reasons for declining your application, based on official immigration instructions.​
If you believe the decision was:
  • Unfair
  • Based on incorrect information
  • Not supported by the correct immigration policy​
then you may be eligible to apply for a visa reconsideration or appeal the decision, depending on the type of visa.

Temporary Visa Declined? You May Qualify for Reconsideration

If your temporary visa (visitor, student, work) was declined and you were in New Zealand at the time of applying, you may be able to submit a reconsideration request.
Your reconsideration application will be reviewed by a different immigration officer, not the one who made the original decision.
At Immigration Trust, we:
  • Review the reasoning behind the decline
  • Identify any errors, missed details, or unfair judgment
  • Help you prepare a well-documented reconsideration application
  • Engage directly with INZ to present your case effectively​
We’ve had many successful outcomes in reconsideration cases, especially where the original officer misapplied the policy or failed to consider key evidence.

​3-Week Grace Period: What You Need to Know​

Under current INZ policy (I1.15 and I1.20.1), if you were on an interim visa and your application was declined, you now have a three-week grace period to:​
  • Apply for a reconsideration, or
  • Make arrangements to leave New Zealand lawfully​
This grace period helps you avoid becoming unlawful immediately and gives you a chance to take action quickly.

​Residence Visa Declined? You Can Appeal to the IPT

If your residence visa was declined, you may be eligible to appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT).
We help you build a strong appeal by:
  • Identifying legal errors in the original decision
  • Demonstrating your ties to New Zealand (family, work, community)
  • Showcasing your genuine contribution and positive character
  • Preparing all documentation, legal submissions, and personal statements
We provide honest assessments of your case. If it’s weak, we’ll tell you - before you commit.

Character or Medical Issues? Don’t Give Up.​

Many visa declines are due to:
  • Criminal convictions, past dishonesty, or immigration breaches
  • Health issues that don’t meet the Acceptable Standard of Health (ASH)
At Immigration Trust, we specialise in:
  • Preparing strong character waivers for applicants with criminal or immigration history
  • Submitting detailed medical waivers for clients with health-related concerns
  • Responding to PPI letters and communicating effectively with INZ to reverse declines
Even if your visa has been declined, a reconsideration with a character or medical waiver may still be possible - if we can provide the right supporting evidence. Our team will assess your situation, gather the required documentation, and present a compelling case on your behalf.

Real Success Stories: From Declined to Approved​

We’ve helped clients from around the world successfully reverse declined visa decisions - even in complex cases involving medical, character, or bona fide issues. Here are just a few examples:
  • A client's employee had their work visa declined, triggering urgency due to prior visa issues. We swiftly filed a reconsideration and Section 61 request once the employee became unlawful. INZ approved both, granting a 3-year work visa. The employee now plans to bring his family to New Zealand. Read the full story
  • A client’s visitor visa extension for himself and his daughter was declined due to sponsor financial issues. With just two weeks before becoming unlawful, he booked a consultation with Simon. We swiftly prepared and filed a strong reconsideration, which was approved, allowing the family to remain lawfully in New Zealand.​ Read the full story
  • After completing her studies in India during Covid-19, the client’s Post-Study Work Visa was declined by INZ. Simon quickly stepped in, prepared a strong reconsideration application, and worked closely with her to present a compelling case. The application was approved, allowing her to pursue her career in New Zealand.​ Read the full story
  • A client’s resident visa was on the brink of being declined when Simon stepped in. After the initial decision was finalised, we filed a timely IPT appeal, highlighting flaws in INZ’s assessment. The Tribunal ruled in our favour, sending the case back for reassessment by a new officer.​ Read the full story
  • After her resident visa application was nearly denied, the client engaged Simon when her previous adviser stepped away. Despite submitting a strong argument, INZ declined the visa. Simon identified flaws and filed a well-prepared IPT appeal within the 42-day limit. The Tribunal ruled in our favour, and INZ was ordered to reassess the application with a new officer.​ Read the full story
  • Facing deportation and a declined temporary work visa, the client turned to us for urgent support. Simon led the preparation of a strong IPT appeal, which was granted, giving the client a fresh start. He now holds a 12-month work visa and is on track to apply for a partnership-based visa to remain in New Zealand.​ Read the full story
  • After their parent resident visa was declined, the client was told by multiple lawyers there was no hope. Simon filed a strong IPT appeal, which was accepted. INZ was ordered to reassess the case, and in May 2019, the resident visa was approved, reuniting the family in New Zealand.
    Read the full story​

Let’s Review Your Declined Visa Case​

A declined visa doesn’t mean the end of your journey. With the right strategy and expert support, you may still have a clear path forward.
Let us assess your case and guide you toward the best next step:
  • Request a Reconsideration – If your temporary visa (visitor, work, or student) was declined while you were still in New Zealand
  • File an IPT Appeal – If your resident visa was declined and you meet the appeal criteria
  • ​Submit a Stronger New Application – If you still hold a valid visa and want to reapply with better evidence and strategy
We’ll help you choose the right path based on your unique situation and maximise your chances of approval.

Not sure if you are ready?