X7.5 Declining applications for returning residents' visas

1. Applications made in New Zealand by residence permit holders cannot be declined (see X2.5.1)
2. Applications for second or subsequent RRVs made outside New Zealand, which do not meet the requirements of RRV policy or where the applicant would otherwise be prohibited for entry to New Zealand if it were not for their New Zealand residence status may be declined.
3. Applications for second or subsequent RRVs made outside New Zealand by applicants who have failed to meet any requirements imposed under section 18A of the Immigration Act 1987, may be declined whether or not they are otherwise eligible under general or transitional RRV policy.

X7.5.1 Requests for reconsideration

1. An applicant may seek to have the decision to decline an application for an RRV reconsidered, if it was declined because:
   1. the visa officer was not satisfied with the evidence of residence produced, or
   2. the application was outside policy.
2. Another officer with a grading the same as or higher than the officer who made the original decision will review the decision.
3. The review process involves checking that policy and procedures were correctly applied when the application was processed.

Effective 07/09/2009