Knowing how to contact the right immigration channels when you need assistance, have questions, or face emergencies can save time and stress. This directory provides essential contact information for Immigration New Zealand, related agencies, and emergency support.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
General Enquiries
Website: immigration.govt.nz
Phone (within NZ): 0508 558 855
Phone (outside NZ): +64 9 921 2323
Contact Hours: Check INZ website for current operating hours
Note: Phone lines can be busy—online options often faster.
Immigration ONLINE
Website: onlineservices.immigration.govt.nz
Services: Application submission, status checking, document upload, account management.
Available 24/7: Though some functions may have maintenance windows.
Email Contact
INZ generally prefers online submission rather than email. Specific email contacts exist for particular purposes—check the INZ website for appropriate contact forms.
In-Person Services
INZ has reduced in-person services in recent years:
Appointment Required: Most in-person services require prior appointment.
Limited Locations: Not all cities have INZ offices.
Check Availability: Verify current service availability through INZ website.
Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA)
Regulatory Enquiries
Website: iaa.govt.nz
Phone: 04 819 1234
Email: iaa@mbie.govt.nz
Purpose: Questions about immigration adviser regulation, licensing, complaints.
Adviser Register
Online Search: Available through IAA website
Verify Licences: Check current licence status before engaging an adviser.
Disciplinary History: Public information about disciplinary actions.
Complaints About Advisers
If you have concerns about an immigration adviser:
Online Complaint: Submit through IAA website.
Written Complaint: Formal process through IAA.
Anonymous Concerns: Can raise concerns without formal complaint initially.
Related Government Agencies
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Immigration Policy: Develops immigration policy (INZ implements it).
Website: mbie.govt.nz
New Zealand Customs
Website: customs.govt.nz
Phone: 0800 428 786
Border matters: Import/export, prohibited goods, border entry.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
Website: mpi.govt.nz
Phone: 0800 008 333
Biosecurity: What you can bring into New Zealand.
Inland Revenue (IRD)
Website: ird.govt.nz
Phone: 0800 227 774
Tax matters: IRD numbers, tax payments, queries.
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
Website: nzqa.govt.nz
Phone: 04 463 3000
Email: qaservices@nzqa.govt.nz
Qualification assessment: Overseas qualification recognition.
Emergency Immigration Contacts
Immigration Emergencies
For urgent immigration matters:
INZ Contact Centre: Standard numbers above—explain urgency.
After Hours: Limited after-hours service for genuine emergencies.
Licensed Adviser: Your immigration adviser may have emergency contact procedures.
Lawyer: Immigration lawyers may assist with urgent matters.
What Constitutes Immigration Emergency
Detention Risk: If you're at risk of detention or deportation.
Airport Issues: Problems at the border on arrival.
Sudden Status Change: If circumstances affecting your status change urgently.
Compliance Concerns: Urgent employer compliance issues.
Note: Processing delays or administrative matters are rarely emergencies.
General Emergency Services
Emergency Services: 111 (Police, Ambulance, Fire)
Non-Emergency Police: 105
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Mental Health: 1737 (call or text)
Consular Services
Your Home Country's Embassy
If you need assistance from your home country:
Citizen Services: Passport renewal, registration, legal assistance.
Emergency Assistance: Support during crises.
Travel Advice: Guidance on travel matters.
Find Your Embassy: Search online for "[your country] embassy New Zealand."
New Zealand Embassy (If Overseas)
NZ Consular Services: For New Zealand citizens or residents overseas.
MFAT: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade coordinates overseas support.
Safe Travel: safetravel.govt.nz for travel advice and registration.
Legal and Advocacy Support
Community Law Centres
Free Legal Advice: Information and guidance on immigration matters.
Locations: Throughout New Zealand—find your nearest centre.
Website: communitylaw.org.nz
Services: May include immigration advice from qualified advisers.
Refugee and Asylum Support
Refugee Services: refugeeservices.org.nz
Auckland Refugees: Auckland Refugee Council
Asylum Seekers Support Trust: support for those in protection process.
Migrant Support
MBIE Migrant Support: Information for migrants experiencing problems.
Settling In: Settlement support resources.
Citizens Advice Bureau: General information and guidance.
Complaints and Disputes
Immigration Decisions
Request for Reconsideration: For some declined applications.
Appeal Rights: Immigration and Protection Tribunal for certain decisions.
Judicial Review: High Court for some decision types.
Timeline: Strict timeframes apply—seek advice immediately after adverse decisions.
Administrative Complaints
INZ Complaints: Submit through INZ website.
Ombudsman: For administrative matters—ombudsman.parliament.nz
Privacy Commissioner: For privacy concerns—privacy.org.nz
Employment Issues
If experiencing workplace problems:
Employment NZ: employment.govt.nz for employment law information.
Mediation Services: Government-funded employment mediation.
ERA: Employment Relations Authority for unresolved disputes.
Exploitation Reporting: Report suspected migrant exploitation.
Using Contacts Effectively
Before You Call
Prepare Information: Have your application number, passport number, and specific questions ready.
Check Website First: Many questions answered online faster than by phone.
Know What You Need: Specific questions get better answers.
Documentation: Note down who you spoke with, when, and what was said.
During Contact
Be Clear: State your question or concern clearly.
Take Notes: Record advice given and any reference numbers.
Ask for Clarification: If unsure, ask for explanation.
Confirm Next Steps: Understand what (if anything) you need to do.
After Contact
Follow Up: Complete any actions discussed.
Document Everything: Keep records of contacts and advice.
Escalate if Needed: If issue unresolved, follow escalation processes.
Seek Professional Help: If matters are complex, engage a licensed adviser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't reach INZ by phone?
Try during off-peak times (mid-week, early morning). Use Immigration ONLINE for many queries. Consider whether a licensed immigration adviser can assist.
Can I complain about an INZ decision?
Administrative complaints are separate from appeals. For the decision itself, check whether appeal or reconsideration rights exist. For service issues, use INZ's complaints process.
Is there 24/7 immigration support?
INZ operates during business hours. Genuine emergencies may have some after-hours options. Licensed advisers may offer emergency contact arrangements.
How do I verify someone claiming to be from INZ?
INZ contact is typically through official channels. Be cautious of unsolicited contact requesting payment or personal information. When in doubt, contact INZ directly through official numbers.
What if I need an interpreter?
INZ provides interpreter services for some interactions. Advise of language needs when making contact. Licensed advisers may also assist with language support.
Need ongoing immigration support? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can be your primary contact for all immigration matters and liaise with INZ on your behalf.