FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DISCLAIMER

The material contained in Frequently Asked Questions is provided as general information only. The questions are ones that have often been asked by people who have contacted the Residence Review Board. The answers given are intended to be helpful but are provided on the understanding that the Residence Review Board is not offering any professional advice.

The information provided is necessarily brief and in summary form only. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the material provided. If this information differs from the Immigration Act 1987 or the Immigration Regulations 1999, then the provisions of the Immigration Act 1987 and the Immigration Regulations 1999 prevail. You should read the detailed provisions of the Immigration Act 1987 and the Immigration Regulations 1999, or consult a lawyer or immigration representative about your circumstances.

ABOUT THE RESIDENCE REVIEW BOARD

  1. Who is the Residence Review Board?

    The Residence Review Board is an independent judicial body established under the Immigration Act 1987 (the Immigration Act).

  2. What does the Residence Review Board do?

    The Residence Review Board decides appeals brought under section 18C of the Immigration Act against the refusal of a visa officer or an immigration officer of Immigration New Zealand to grant an application for a residence visa or a residence permit.

  3. Is the Residence Review Board part of Immigration New Zealand?

    No. The Residence Review Board is independent of Immigration New Zealand.

  4. What is the Residence Appeal Authority?

    The Residence Appeal Authority was established in 1991 under the Immigration Act. It was changed to the Residence Review Board by the Immigration Amendment Act (No 2) 2003, which came into force on 9 September 2003.

  5. How do I contact the Residence Review Board?

    The Residence Review Board is located on the

    6th Floor
    SolNet House
    70 The Terrace
    Wellington

    The postal address of the Residence Review Board is:

    PO Box 1809
    Wellington
    New Zealand

     

    Telephone: +64-4-915 4200 (calling from overseas)
      04-915 4200 (calling from within New Zealand)
       
    Facsimile:  +64-4-915 6390 (faxing from overseas)
      04-915 6390 (faxing within New Zealand)

    Please note that no direct communication is possible with a Residence Review Board member.

  6. Where can I find copies of Residence Review Board decisions?

    This website contains full text decisions of the Residence Review Board, relating to applicable Government residence policy from 26 July 1999. The published decisions are in a 'depersonalised' form (ie, the appellant's name and other identifying information are removed).

  7. How should I refer to a decision published on this website?

    Please refer to the decision as follows:

    • Decision number

    • Date of decision

    • Paragraph number (where appropriate)

    • Website reference

    Example: Residence Appeal No 98765, 6 December 2001, para [23]; www.residencereviewboard.govt.nz

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the electronic version of decisions by the Residence Review Board. However, in case of difference, the official sealed decision held by the Residence Review Board prevails.