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The Immigration & Protection Tribunal hears and determines appeals concerning:
decisions about residence class visas
decisions about the recognition of a person as a refugee or protected person
liability for deportation
decisions to stop recognising a person as a refugee or protected person
decisions to cancel the recognition of a New Zealand citizen as a refugee or protected person.
The tribunal is administered by the Ministry of Justice. The tribunal is chaired by a District Court Judge appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Attorney-General. It has 18 members, appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Residence appeals
These appeals are generally being determined within 12 to 13 months after the Tribunal receives them. Send any supporting documents or submissions to the Tribunal as soon as you can (last updated 1 October 2026).
Deportation non-resident (humanitarian) appeals
These appeals are generally being determined within 10 to 12 months after the Tribunal receives them. Send any supporting documents or submissions to the Tribunal as soon as you can (last updated 1 October 2026).