What Is a Reconsideration Request — and When Does It Apply?
A reconsideration request asks INZ to look at a visa decision again — usually because new evidence has come to light, an officer made an error, or information was not properly assessed. Unlike a formal appeal, reconsideration is handled internally by INZ, making it quicker and less costly.
Reconsideration is not available for every visa type or every situation, and it is not simply a second chance to submit the same application. A strong request must clearly identify what was wrong with the original decision and provide compelling new reasons or evidence — without this, INZ will simply uphold the original decline.
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When Can You Request a Reconsideration?
A reconsideration is most likely to succeed when there is a clear, specific basis for asking INZ to look again. We assess whether your situation qualifies before proceeding.
New Evidence Available
Evidence that was not submitted with your original application — such as a new employment contract, updated financial records, or additional relationship evidence — can form the basis of a reconsideration request.
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Error in the Decision
If the INZ officer made a factual error — for example, misread a document, applied the wrong criteria, or overlooked evidence that was submitted — pointing this out clearly is a strong basis for reconsideration.
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Information Not Properly Considered
Where evidence was submitted but appears not to have been properly weighed — and the refusal letter does not address it — this may be grounds to request that INZ reconsider its assessment.
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Changed Circumstances
A significant change in your situation since the decision — such as a new job offer, marriage to a New Zealand resident, or birth of a child — may provide grounds to ask INZ to revisit the matter.
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Procedural Unfairness
If INZ failed to follow its own processes — for example, did not give you an opportunity to respond to concerns, or did not apply the correct policy — this can support a request for internal review.
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No Right of Formal Appeal
Some visa types — such as visitor visas and many temporary work visas — do not have a right of appeal to the Tribunal. For these, reconsideration is often the primary internal remedy available after a decline.
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Reconsideration vs Formal Appeal — Which Is Right for You?
The right path depends on your visa type, the grounds for refusal, and how urgently you need a resolution. We assess both options and advise clearly.
Reconsideration Request
- ✓ Handled by INZ internally
- ✓ Generally faster than a Tribunal appeal
- ✓ Lower cost
- ✓ Available for most visa types
- ✓ Best when new evidence or an error exists
- ✕ INZ reviews its own decision — less independent
- ✕ Cannot consider humanitarian factors in the same way
- ✕ Not a right — INZ may decline to reconsider
Formal IPT Appeal
- ✓ Heard by an independent Tribunal
- ✓ Can consider humanitarian circumstances
- ✓ Legally binding outcome
- ✓ Right to a hearing where eligible
- ✓ Stronger for deportation & residence cases
- ✕ Not available for all visa types
- ✕ Strict 42-day filing deadline
- ✕ Longer process and higher cost
Not sure which applies to you? Contact us for a free assessment.
A Winning Reconsideration Request:
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Clearly identifies what was wrong
Specifies the exact error, oversight, or new evidence — not a general disagreement with the outcome.
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Provides specific new evidence
Includes documents or information that were not in the original application and that directly address the reason for refusal.
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References the refusal letter precisely
Engages with the specific reasons stated by INZ — not a generic response that ignores the officer's concerns.
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Is submitted promptly
The sooner a reconsideration is requested after the decline, the better — INZ has no fixed timeframe but acting fast demonstrates seriousness.
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Is professionally drafted
A well-structured, clearly argued submission carries more weight than a personal letter — presentation and accuracy matter.
Why the Quality of Your Request Matters
INZ is under no obligation to grant a reconsideration — and officers are not required to look favourably on requests that simply repeat what was already submitted. A reconsideration that fails without adding new information can also weaken your position in any subsequent appeal or fresh application.
Our advisers read your original refusal letter in detail, identify the specific points INZ found unsatisfactory, and build a targeted response that directly addresses each one. We do not submit generic templates — every request is prepared specifically for your case.
Start Your RequestHow We Handle Your Reconsideration
We read your refusal letter carefully, identify every reason INZ gave for declining, and assess whether a reconsideration has realistic prospects of success.
We pinpoint the specific error, new evidence, or changed circumstance that justifies INZ looking at the decision again — and advise honestly if a fresh application may be a better path.
We prepare a professional, point-by-point submission that directly addresses the refusal reasons and presents the strongest possible case for reconsideration.
We submit your request to INZ, confirm receipt, and follow up as required — keeping you informed of progress and next steps throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Had a visa declined? Contact us directly — we'll assess your options and advise on the best path forward.
Ask an AdviserINZ does not publish a fixed statutory deadline for reconsideration requests in the same way as Tribunal appeals. However, acting promptly after a refusal significantly strengthens your request — and if you also have a right of formal appeal, that deadline (usually 42 days) runs independently. The sooner you contact us after a refusal, the more options remain open.
In some situations, yes — and this can be a smart strategy. Lodging a Tribunal appeal preserves your right to an independent review while a reconsideration is being assessed, protecting you if the reconsideration is unsuccessful. We advise on whether running both simultaneously makes sense for your specific situation.
Yes — if there is a clear error in the INZ decision, or if relevant information was not properly considered, those are also valid grounds. However, a reconsideration that simply repeats the original application without identifying a specific problem is unlikely to succeed. We assess your refusal letter carefully to determine whether a genuine basis exists before recommending this path.
Processing times vary depending on the visa type and INZ's current workload. Reconsiderations are generally faster than formal Tribunal appeals — but there is no guaranteed timeframe. We follow up with INZ on your behalf and keep you informed throughout the process.
Depending on your visa type and situation, options may include a formal appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal (if eligible and within the time limit), Ministerial intervention on humanitarian grounds, a judicial review if the decision was unlawful, or a fresh application on different grounds. We assess all remaining pathways and advise on the most viable one.
It depends on the reason for refusal and whether anything has changed. If the original application was strong and declined due to an officer error or missing document, reconsideration can be faster. If the application had fundamental weaknesses, a properly prepared fresh application — addressing those weaknesses — may be more effective. We help you choose the right path for your specific situation.
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