Visa Pathways
Section 61 / Complex Cases
Section 61 requests and other complex immigration matters involve discretionary decisions by Immigration New Zealand. They require careful, evidence-based preparation and an honest assessment of the prospects.
Last reviewed: August 2026
At a glance
Urgent help with declined visas, unlawful status, and discretionary requests.
Who this may be suitable for
- People who are unlawful in New Zealand
- Applicants with declined visas seeking reconsideration
- People considering appeals or ministerial intervention
Basic features
Discretionary — no guarantee of a favourable outcome
Requires comprehensive, well-structured submissions
Time-sensitive deadlines often apply
Highly sensitive and individual
Typical five-step process
1
Assess your current status and any deadlines
2
Gather all relevant immigration history and evidence
3
Prepare a carefully structured request or submission
4
Lodge within any applicable timeframe
5
Receive a discretionary decision
Documents and evidence
- All INZ correspondence and decisions
- Compassionate and personal circumstances evidence
- Immigration history and timeline
- Relevant tribunal or legal documents
Common risk areas
- Missed deadlines removing options
- Insufficient supporting evidence
- Removal risk while unlawful
- Compounding previous unfavourable outcomes
Frequently asked questions
Will a Section 61 request be accepted?
- No. Section 61 requests are entirely discretionary and there is no guarantee of a favourable outcome. We can give you an honest assessment of your situation.
How quickly do I need to act?
- Deadlines and removal risk mean timely action is essential. Contact us as soon as possible if you are in a difficult situation.
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Book a ConsultationThe information on this website is general in nature and does not constitute personalised immigration advice. Immigration instructions and eligibility requirements may change. An assessment of your individual circumstances is required before advice can be provided.