Role of INZ

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is part of the Department of Labour, a Government department that helps people achieve high-quality working lives in thriving and inclusive communities through linking their social and economic interests.

INZ aims to increase the economic and social framework of New Zealand by:

• facilitating residence and temporary entry into New Zealand, and
• ensuring that those who cross New Zealand's borders observe the provisions of New Zealand's immigration policy and legislation.

Most of INZ's operational work is focused on deciding residence, returning resident's visa and temporary entry applications, but we also provide information and respond to general enquiries. In addition, INZ removes people who are in breach of immigration law, or resolves their immigration status in other ways.

Another responsibility is to determine claims for refugee status in New Zealand under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol. We select quota refugees and escort them to New Zealand, as well as arrange for their accommodation and induction after they arrive in New Zealand.

Visa officers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) may be responsible for limited immigration operations at overseas posts where there is no INZ branch. Customs officers act as immigration officers at places of entry to New Zealand.

Help

Underpinning all our activity is the desire to provide the best possible service and to demonstrate honesty, fairness, confidentiality and respect in all our dealings. If you need help understanding the policy in this Manual, please contact us.