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Navigating immigration challenges

Published on
October 28, 2025
Written by

When your visa application is refused or delayed, it can feel like your plans have come to a halt. But in many cases, there are still strong legal options available, whether through an appeal, a waiver, or alternative business or employer pathways. At McVeagh Fleming, our immigration team, led by Partner Arran Hunt, is known for tackling the most complex immigration challenges with strategic advice and a deep understanding of New Zealand’s immigration landscape.

Immigration appeals

If your residence or visa application has been declined, you may be able to appeal to the Immigration & Protection Tribunal (IPT). This independent tribunal reviews decisions by Immigration New Zealand, including:

  • residence visa refusals
  • deportation or liability decisions
  • humanitarian and special circumstance appeals

Deadlines are strict, usually 42 days from the date of decision. Success depends on the strength of submissions, supporting evidence, and understanding of legal thresholds. McVeagh Fleming helps clients prepare persuasive appeals, coordinate expert reports, and represent them through every step of the IPT process.

Learn more about immigration appeals

Investor & business pathways

The Active Investor Plus Visa offers a residence pathway for experienced investors willing to commit significant capital to New Zealand. Applications require:

  • proof of investment in approved assets
  • a transparent source of funds
  • ongoing reporting and compliance

Common issues arise when investments don’t meet the policy definition or when evidence is incomplete. McVeagh Fleming advises investors on structuring applications correctly, preparing valuations, and managing risk from submission through to approval.

Learn more about the Active Investor Visa

Character & health waivers

Sometimes an applicant’s background or medical condition can put their visa at risk. A character waiver or health waiver may allow the application to proceed.
Our team works with medical specialists and community references to demonstrate

  • rehabilitation or low risk of reoffending
  • manageable medical conditions
  • compelling humanitarian or family factors

Well prepared waiver requests can make the difference between refusal and approval.

Learn more about Character & Health issues

Employer accreditation & Job checks

For employers recruiting from overseas, accreditation and job check compliance are now essential. Immigration New Zealand requires proof that roles are genuine, fairly advertised, and that no suitable New Zealanders are available.
McVeagh Fleming helps businesses

  • obtain or renew accreditation
  • prepare compliant job check documentation
  • liaise with Work and Income where required

This ensures the hiring process remains smooth and legally sound.

Learn more about Employer accreditation & job checks

Conclusion

A visa decline or complex immigration challenge is rarely the end of your New Zealand journey. With the right legal guidance, there are often practical ways forward, through appeals, waivers, investor pathways, or employer based solutions. Each option requires specialist understanding and careful handling to achieve the best possible outcome.

At McVeagh Fleming, our immigration team, led by Partner Arran Hunt, brings deep legal knowledge, clear strategy, and a genuine commitment to client success. We work closely with individuals, families, and businesses to navigate New Zealand’s immigration system with confidence and care. We are here to support your journey.

If you or your organisation is facing an immigration barrier, or simply want clarity on the best pathway forward, get in touch with us today. We can review your case, outline your options, and help you take the next step toward your goal.

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© McVeagh Fleming 2025
This article is published for general information purposes only.  Legal content in this article is necessarily of a general nature and should not be relied upon as legal advice.  If you require specific legal advice in respect of any legal issue, you should always engage a lawyer to provide that advice.

View all Insights

Navigating immigration challenges

Navigating immigration challenges

Written by:

When your visa application is refused or delayed, it can feel like your plans have come to a halt. But in many cases, there are still strong legal options available, whether through an appeal, a waiver, or alternative business or employer pathways. At McVeagh Fleming, our immigration team, led by Partner Arran Hunt, is known for tackling the most complex immigration challenges with strategic advice and a deep understanding of New Zealand’s immigration landscape.

Immigration appeals

If your residence or visa application has been declined, you may be able to appeal to the Immigration & Protection Tribunal (IPT). This independent tribunal reviews decisions by Immigration New Zealand, including:

  • residence visa refusals
  • deportation or liability decisions
  • humanitarian and special circumstance appeals

Deadlines are strict, usually 42 days from the date of decision. Success depends on the strength of submissions, supporting evidence, and understanding of legal thresholds. McVeagh Fleming helps clients prepare persuasive appeals, coordinate expert reports, and represent them through every step of the IPT process.

Learn more about immigration appeals

Investor & business pathways

The Active Investor Plus Visa offers a residence pathway for experienced investors willing to commit significant capital to New Zealand. Applications require:

  • proof of investment in approved assets
  • a transparent source of funds
  • ongoing reporting and compliance

Common issues arise when investments don’t meet the policy definition or when evidence is incomplete. McVeagh Fleming advises investors on structuring applications correctly, preparing valuations, and managing risk from submission through to approval.

Learn more about the Active Investor Visa

Character & health waivers

Sometimes an applicant’s background or medical condition can put their visa at risk. A character waiver or health waiver may allow the application to proceed.
Our team works with medical specialists and community references to demonstrate

  • rehabilitation or low risk of reoffending
  • manageable medical conditions
  • compelling humanitarian or family factors

Well prepared waiver requests can make the difference between refusal and approval.

Learn more about Character & Health issues

Employer accreditation & Job checks

For employers recruiting from overseas, accreditation and job check compliance are now essential. Immigration New Zealand requires proof that roles are genuine, fairly advertised, and that no suitable New Zealanders are available.
McVeagh Fleming helps businesses

  • obtain or renew accreditation
  • prepare compliant job check documentation
  • liaise with Work and Income where required

This ensures the hiring process remains smooth and legally sound.

Learn more about Employer accreditation & job checks

Conclusion

A visa decline or complex immigration challenge is rarely the end of your New Zealand journey. With the right legal guidance, there are often practical ways forward, through appeals, waivers, investor pathways, or employer based solutions. Each option requires specialist understanding and careful handling to achieve the best possible outcome.

At McVeagh Fleming, our immigration team, led by Partner Arran Hunt, brings deep legal knowledge, clear strategy, and a genuine commitment to client success. We work closely with individuals, families, and businesses to navigate New Zealand’s immigration system with confidence and care. We are here to support your journey.

If you or your organisation is facing an immigration barrier, or simply want clarity on the best pathway forward, get in touch with us today. We can review your case, outline your options, and help you take the next step toward your goal.

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