Support to help you understand this discretionary pathway and what it involves

It is not a standard visa application. The decision maker is not required to consider the request, respond to it, or provide reasons if it is declined. There is also no right of appeal or reconsideration.

Requests may be made to INZ’s Section 61 Team or, in limited cases, directly to the Minister.

• You are unlawfully in New Zealand
• You have not yet been issued a deportation order
• You have compelling personal or humanitarian circumstances

• A detailed personal cover letter explaining your immigration history and how you became unlawful
• Evidence supporting your circumstances, such as identity documents, relationship evidence, medical records, and employment history
• Information showing the impact of deportation on you or your family

Submissions must be complete, honest, and carefully structured.

• How long you have been in New Zealand
• Your immigration history and compliance
• The reason you became unlawful and how long you have been unlawful
• Your ties to New Zealand
• Any risk factors, including criminal history
• The likelihood of you complying with visa conditions in the future

• Making a Section 61 request alerts INZ to your unlawful status
• If declined, you may be issued a deportation order
• You cannot apply for a standard visa while unlawful
• Emotional explanations alone are rarely sufficient

Once declined, making repeated requests is often unsuccessful.

Visa Matters assists by:

• Assessing whether a Section 61 request is realistic
• Preparing structured, evidence-based submissions
• Avoiding common mistakes that lead to refusals
• Giving honest advice about prospects and alternatives