Whatever category or policy you are applying under, your application will be treated fairly and equally, and we will process your application as quickly as we can.
Asking someone to help with your application
We treat all applications equally – whether you apply yourself or through an agent or representative.
Anyone can help you fill in your application form, or act on your behalf as your agent or representative. An agent or representative could be:
- a lawyer
- a consultant
- or any other person (including a friend) you hire or ask to help you apply.
If someone does help you, they will also need to sign your application form. There is a section on the back of the application form for their signature.
The standard of service you can expect
We guarantee that our service will meet certain standards:
- We will not lose or damage your passport or documents.
- Within 14 days we will either finalise your application or provide you with an acknowledgement stating the name and contact details of the officer working on your application or the date an officer will become available to work on your application.
- Once you are given a completion time for your application, you will be advised of any change to that timeframe.
- If we have concerns about your application, you will have an opportunity to comment before we make a final decision.
- We will fully inform you of the outcome of your application.
If you are not satisfied with the level of service you receive from us, you or your agent should write to the Branch Manager of the office handling your application.
Your rights
If you are in New Zealand, you have the right to see the information we hold about you at any time and to ask for any of it to be corrected at any time if you think that is necessary.
You can do this by writing to your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch.
If we decline your application, in most cases you will have the right to:
- request a reconsideration – if you were applying for a temporary permit, or
- appeal to the Residence Review Board – if you were applying for a residence visa or permit.
If your application is declined, we will notify you in writing and include the reasons for our decision.
Your obligations
You have a legal obligation under the Immigration Act to not provide false or misleading information. If you do, you will lose any right of appeal.
When you make an application for a visa or permit you must also:
- use and fully complete the correct application form
- be honest in answering our questions
- inform us as early as possible of any changes to your circumstances
- disclose any information, or changes to your circumstances, that could affect our decision after we’ve accepted your application.