Student Visa Expired? Section 61 Approved in 3 Days
Navigating New Zealand’s visa regulations can be overwhelming. Even small errors—especially involving expired visas—can lead to serious consequences, including becoming unlawful. This was the reality for one of our clients, a student who unintentionally lost his lawful status after following incorrect advice from his university.
The Problem: A Student Visa Expired Without Warning: Our client had been studying in New Zealand when his student visa quietly expired. The university had misadvised him about his immigration status, and by the time they realised the mistake, he had already become unlawful for several weeks. They told him to stop attending classes immediately. In panic and with limited time to fix the situation, he searched online and found Immigration Trust and our CEO, Simon.
Immediate Action: A Tailored Section 61 Request Understanding the urgency, Simon conducted a paid consultation the same day the student contacted us. He carefully analysed the timeline, communication with the university, and the student’s intentions. Simon then prepared a well-structured Section 61 request—a special appeal used when someone becomes unlawful in New Zealand but still has strong reasons to stay. He backed it with:
A detailed justification letter
Supporting evidence showing it was not the student’s fault
Academic records, communication logs, and personal statements
Outcome: Approval in Just 3 Days Thanks to Simon’s expertise and strategic documentation, Immigration New Zealand approved the Section 61 request within three business days. The student regained lawful status and was able to resume his studies legally and without further interruption. Why It Matters Becoming unlawful—even by accident—can seriously jeopardise your future in New Zealand. Quick, professional action is essential. At Immigration Trust, we specialise in helping clients with:
Immigration Trust is a team of professionals dedicated to providing clear, reliable information for navigating New Zealand’s immigration system. Our CEO, Simon Park, brings extensive expertise in New Zealand immigration law, policy, and best practices, supporting individuals and families in their journey to settle in New Zealand.