INZ will issue refunds for 50,000 visa applications
On July 7th Immigration New Zealand announces that it will be refunding over 50,000 visa applicants for visas that have not been able to be processed because of Covid restrictions.
INZ will refund application fees and levies for applications being lapsed. INZ will also refund and return temporary visa applications received from people outside New Zealand after 10 August 2020, when offshore applications were suspended.
The process to get a refund
Over the next few months INZ will email eligible visa applicants, or their representative, when their refund is being processed. For applications submitted and paid online, the credit card used will be refunded.
If the payment was made by a third party on behalf of the applicant (such as a Licensed Immigration Adviser), it is the responsibility of the applicant and their representative to arrange reimbursement of the refund. Immigration New Zealand is not able to mediate between the applicant and their representative.
In some cases, INZ may need to ask the refund request form be completed to make sure the refund can be processed and the fees and levies paid to the correct bank account.
Special visa category exceptions:
Applicants in New Zealand whose existing temporary visa was automatically extended by special direction will be contacted by INZ and can choose to withdraw or proceed with their application.
The affected visa applicants do not need to do anything. If they are eligible for a refund we will email them, or their representative, when their refund is being processed. They do not have to ask us for the refund.
If you want to apply for a work, student or visitor visa in the future this refund will not affect your application.