The Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT) has the power to assess certain decisions made by INZ and if they disagree to on a residence application they can even overturn these decisions.
The IPT mainly deals with appeals against residence decisions and appeals against removal or deportation from New Zealand.
Once you receive a decision from INZ on a notification that you will be removed then you have a limited time to make an appeal and you need to act quick.
We assess the entire case and make a case as to why INZ have not followed the correct procedure or in some cases arguing that there are exceptional circumstances in a case that warrant an exception to instructions.
An IPT appeal is unlike an INZ application or a ministerial appeal to give you the right to remain in New Zealand until the decision is made.
You cannot work or study unless you still have a valid visa but at least you will not be removed.
The Immigration & Protection Tribunal hears and determines appeals concerning:
- decisions about residence class visas
- decisions about the recognition of a person as a refugee or protected person
- liability for deportation
- decisions to stop recognising a person as a refugee or protected person
- decisions to cancel the recognition of a New Zealand citizen as a refugee or protected person
The tribunal is administered by the Ministry of Justice. The tribunal is chaired by a District Court Judge appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Attorney-General. It has 18 members, appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Residence appeals – The Tribunal is currently taking an average of 6 months to determine a residence appeal.
Deportation non-resident (humanitarian) appeals – These appeals are generally being determined within 2 to 4 months after the Tribunal receives them. Send any supporting documents or submissions to the Tribunal as soon as you can.