Reconsideration

When your temporary visa application is declined, you must be given reasons why your immigration officer made his or her decision to decline your application.

It is nothing personal as your immigration officer must decline an application if they are NOT satisfied that you have met all of the requirements of the relevant immigration instructions for temporary entry, and that an exception to instructions is not justified.

Is it the final decision? Is there anything you can do about it?

Watch a video.  It takes less than a minute.

An example of successful cases

You have a right to apply for reconsideration of your declined visa application. Only if:

  • The minister did not make the decision to decline;
  • Application for reconsideration is made not later than 14 days after the date on which you received notice of the decision to decline the further visa; and...
  • You are lawfully in NZ when you make the application for reconsideration

Here are the steps:

1.    You need to apply for the reconsideration according to Immigration New Zealand's instructions.
2.    You will need to include a fee, your passport or certified identification, and written request in English.
3.    Your case will be assigned to another immigration officer.
4.    The immigration officer may or may not request more information to clarify your case.
5.    The decision for the reconsideration of your application will be final and conclusive.  
6.    You may NOT be able to apply for a further application for reconsideration when the decision has been made.

Maintain a valid visa while the decision is being made:
Applying for reconsideration will NOT give you the right to live in New Zealand unless you have a valid visa.  
Offshore application:
Normally, immigration officers will NOT consider an application for a reconsideration made from outside New Zealand.  However, they can make an exception if new and compelling information has been promptly provided.
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