Helping You Navigate the Immigration Appeals Process
Professional Visa Solutions brings a wealth of specialised experience to the appeals process. We have a proven track record of overturning complex decisions at the Tribunal level, providing our clients with a vital second chance when all seems lost. From the initial review of your decline letter to final representation, we are with you every step of the way.
01. Introduction
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where your New Zealand temporary or resident visa application has been rejected, the consequences can be severe. Beyond the immediate disappointment, a rejection can lead to deportation liability and a permanent mark on your global travel record.
In these critical moments, your last line of defense is an Immigration Appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT). This independent body has the power to scrutinise the decision made by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and, in many cases, overturn it. Understanding your rights and acting within the strict legal deadlines is the difference between leaving the country and securing your future here.
The IPT is a fully independent judicial body, separate from Immigration New Zealand. It was established to provide an unbiased review of decisions regarding visa adjudications, deportation liability, and refugee status. The tribunal operates under the Ministry of Justice and is led by a District Court judge, ensuring that every appeal is handled with the highest level of legal scrutiny.
The IPT primarily hears the following types of appeals:
- Residence Visa declines: If your residence application was rejected despite you meeting the policy requirements
- Deportation liability: For both residents and non-residents facing a notice to leave the country
- Refugee & protection status: Matters involving the recognition or cancellation of refugee status
- Special circumstances: Cases where the law was followed correctly, but “special circumstances” justify an exception
Professional Visa Solutions works to uncover the “hidden merits” of your case: legal or factual errors made by the original case officer that can be used to win your appeal. Book a consultation to have our experts review your decline letter today.
Many applicants feel defeated after a rejection, but an appeal is often the only way to correct a systemic error. In many cases, a visa is declined not because the applicant is ineligible, but because of a “Potentially Prejudicial Information” (PPI) letter that was poorly handled or a misinterpretation of complex 2026 immigration instructions.
Common reasons for a successful appeal include:
- Factual errors: The case officer overlooked key evidence or misinterpreted your financial documents
- Legal misinterpretation: INZ failed to apply the correct immigration instructions to your specific category
- Character or Medical Issues: You were declined based on a health or character concern that could have been mitigated with the right legal argument
- New evidence: Significant new information has come to light that was not available at the time of the original decision
Time is your greatest enemy in an immigration appeal. The law provides very strict windows for filing, and the IPT cannot accept late applications. Missing these dates by even one day can result in the immediate loss of your appeal rights.
| Situation | Time Frame |
|---|---|
| Residence Visa Rejection | 42 days from the date of the decision. |
| Unlawful Status in NZ | 42 days after your visa expires. |
| Deportation Liability (Breach of Conditions) | 28 days from receiving the notice. |
| Ministerial Decision Challenge | 28 days from notification. |
Every case is unique, but the Tribunal currently operates with significant lead times. As of late 2025, you can typically expect Residence Appeals to be determined within 10-12 months. Humanitarian Deportation Appeals for non-residents generally take between 8-10 months. During this time, we ensure your paperwork is flawless to prevent any further administrative delays.
What does it cost to appeal?
- IPT Filing Fee: The government fee is currently $943 (including GST).
- Professional Fees: Our typical representation fees range from $3,000 to $6,000 (+GST). This covers the legal research, drafting of submissions, and gathering of expert evidence.
We provide a transparent, fixed-fee structure so you can plan your finances during this stressful time. Our licensed advisers offer a 100% free initial assessment to determine if your case has the necessary merit to succeed at the Tribunal level.
At Professional Visa Solutions, we believe that immigration advice should be transparent and honest. We know that an appeal is a high-stakes moment for your family, which is why we operate with a strict “No Surprises” policy regarding our services and fees.
- Upfront fixed quotes: You will receive a clear, fixed-fee quote before we begin any work. We do not believe in hidden costs or surprise hourly billing.
- Honest assessments: We will never give you “false hope.” If we believe your appeal has a low chance of success, we will tell you honestly during your initial assessment so you can make an informed decision.
- Consented additional work: If your case becomes unexpectedly complex and requires additional legal work, we will always seek your written consent before any further charges are incurred.
- Progress updates: You will never be left in the dark. We provide regular, timely updates on the status of your appeal at the IPT.