If you apply for a temporary visa to work, study or visit and the application is declined, you may be able to request that your application be reconsidered.

If you have applied for a working visa, student visa or visitor visa and your application is declined, you can request reconsideration if you meet the following conditions:

    1. You are in New Zealand when you make your request
    2. You are still holding a valid visa such as an Interim Visa
    3. You must submit your reconsideration request within 14 days of receiving word from INZ that your visa has been declined

If your visa is still declined after reconsideration you will not be able to ask INZ to consider the decision again.

To make a request for reconsideration, you will need to make the request in writing unless you have applied for visitor visa or an accredited employer work visa, in which case you may be able to apply online.

For all other applications you will need to make a request in writing to reconsider the decision and send Immigration NZ:

  • A letter signed by you outlining what you would like reconsidered in English
  • Your passport or certificate of identity
  • Credit card details to pay the fee including card number, expiry date, name of cardholder and signature of cardholder

You should also submit any other supporting evidence.

 

Important Note

A reconsideration request is not an appeal. Appeals apply mainly to residence visa decisions and are handled by the Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT).

Talk to an Expert

Get in touch with us today for help with reconsideration requests. We can help you by:

  • Reviewing your declined visa application
  • Providing a written submission to request reconsideration
  • Contacting Immigration NZ or the assigned immigration officer to request a review of the file
  • Advising you on what documents are required when requesting a reconsideration
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Frequently Asked Questions

A reconsideration request asks INZ to review a declined temporary visa decision. It allows a different immigration officer to reassess the application to determine whether the original decision was incorrect or based on incomplete or misunderstood information.
Reconsideration applies only to temporary visa declines, such as:
• Visitor visas
• Student visas
• Work visas
Residence visa decisions cannot be reconsidered and are subject to different appeal processes.
You may request reconsideration if you:
• Had a temporary visa application declined
• Are physically in New Zealand at the time of the request
• Hold a valid visa (including an Interim Visa)
You must submit your request within 14 calendar days of receiving the visa decline decision. Late requests are not accepted.
No. There is no formal right to request reconsideration from offshore. In limited cases, INZ may consider additional information, but this is discretionary.
You can submit a request:
• Online, if the option is available through Immigration Online, or
• In writing, by providing a signed letter in English explaining why the decision should be reviewed, along with supporting evidence and payment of the required fee
Yes. A fee applies and is typically NZD $220–$250, depending on the visa type.
Your request is reviewed by a different immigration officer than the one who made the original decision, ensuring an independent assessment.
If INZ confirms the original decision:
• The reconsideration decision is final
• You cannot request another reconsideration for the same application
• You may need to leave New Zealand or explore other immigration options if available
No. Submitting a reconsideration request does not extend your visa. You must continue to hold a valid visa while the request is being considered or request for an extension of your current visa. INZ generally does not take deportation action while reconsideration is underway.

Our Experts

Muhammad Bin Kamarudin

Senior Associate | Solicitor

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Lethan Heugh

Solicitor

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