When are refunds given?

Refunds are given when you meet one of these criteria:

• the original fee was paid in error or an incorrect fee was paid,
• the application did not meet lodgement criteria,
• where the application was withdrawn from the Expression Of Interest pool (Skilled Migrant Category applications only),
• where INZ made an error in the delivery of service that resulted in the client being disadvantaged and a fee refund mitigates that disadvantage.

When are refunds not given?

Refunds are not given when:

• the application is declined or the applicant suffers hardship,
• the applicant withdraws the application after lodgements are complete,
• the refund is for NZ$30 or less, or local equivalent (unless the refund is due to an error by Immigration New Zealand),
• the application is replaced by a second application that has a lower fee than the first.

Can I get a refund if I paid too much for the fee?

Yes, you will get a refund for the difference between the correct fee and the fee you paid (unless the difference is NZ$30 or less, or local equivalent).

Will I get a refund if my application does not meet lodgement criteria?

You will be given the opportunity to resubmit your application with all the information INZ requires and INZ will keep the fee to use for your resubmitted application.  You will get a fee refund if you decide not to resubmit your application and complete a Customer Refund Request form.

Can I get a refund where the application was withdrawn from the EOI pool (SMC applications only)?

Yes, you will get a refund.

Can I get a refund if I withdraw my application?

No, refunds are not given if you withdraw your application after lodgements are completed.

Can I get a refund if I am in hardship after paying the fee?

No, you will not get a refund due to hardship.

Can I get a refund if my application is declined?

No, refunds are not given for declined applications.

Is there a minimum amount for a refund?

Refunds are not given for NZ $30 or less (or local equivalent).

Can I get a refund if my application is replaced by a second application that has a lower fee than the first?

No, refunds are not given for replacement applications.

How is a refund paid in New Zealand?

In New Zealand refunds are paid directly into your bank account so you will need to provide INZ with your bank account details.  If you paid by Credit Card then the refund may be credited to your Credit Card.

Can I get a cash refund?

No, INZ does not use cash for refunds.

Can I have my refund paid by cheque in New Zealand?

No, INZ does not pay cheques for refunds in New Zealand.

How is a refund paid in branches offshore?

Different branches have different methods of paying refunds depending on local circumstances.  You should contact the branch where you lodged you application to find out more.

How do I get a refund if I don’t have my own bank account?

You can provide the bank account details of a friend or relative who will give you the refund once it has been paid.  You must tell INZ that you give permission for the refund to be paid into another person’s account.

Can I ask for a refund if the branch doesn’t offer me one?

Yes, you can ask the branch where you paid your fee for a Customer Refund request form and return the completed form to that branch.  You will only get a refund if you meet certain criteria.

Where can I get a Customer Refund Request form?

If you are in New Zealand you should complete the New Zealand Customer Refund Request Form DOC.  If you are overseas, then complete the Offshore Customer Refund Request Form DOC.