Over the past few months, I have noticed an increase in the number of instructions and inquiries from clients who have received Request for Further Information or Potentially Prejudicial Information (PPI) letters from Immigration New Zealand.  

What is an RFI or PPI Letter?

An RFI or PPI letter is a letter sent by an immigration officer to an applicant that informs them that the officer has found information that may be prejudicial to the applicant's application for a temporary or resident visa. The letter is typically sent when the visa officer has concerns relating to character or health grounds, such as pending criminal charges,  criminal conviction, a medical condition or having provided false and misleading information which may make the applicant (or family members) not meet the character requirements or have an acceptable standard of health.

What should you do if you receive one?

If you receive a PPI letter, you have the opportunity to respond to the concerns raised by the immigration officer. As the visa applicant, you will be given a specified amount of time, usually one week (up to two weeks), to respond.  Your response should address the specific concerns raised by the immigration officer and provide any additional information or documentation that may help to resolve the concerns.

The immigration officer will consider the applicant's response, along with any additional information and documentation you provide, before they make a final decision on your visa application.  If the immigration officer is satisfied that the concerns have been adequately addressed, the application may be approved. However, if the concerns cannot be resolved or alleviated, the application may be declined.  

Important note

It is important to note that receiving a PPI letter does not necessarily mean that your visa application will be declined. It is an opportunity for you to address any concerns and provide additional information that may help to resolve the issues INZ have with respect to your application.

Next steps

The cost of the visa application itself is high, followed by the stress and real possibility that your visa application may be declined, so it is important you seek legal assistance with providing a thorough response that adequately addresses the concerns raised, backed with supporting documentation.  I have seen many replies where the issues have not been properly addressed despite a number of documents being put forward to the visa officer to try and answer the letter.

The difference between a simple response and a thorough response can result in you receiving a visa or becoming a resident in New Zealand.

If your visa has been declined, please check through other articles on our website to provide you with general information about steps to appeal or regularise your status.

Feel free to contact Michelle if you have been sent an RFI or PPI letter.

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