Claim for refugee and protection status
Refugee Status Unit
People in New Zealand can claim recognition as a refugee under the Refugee Convention or as a protected person under the Convention Against Torture or the ICCPR. Claims are decided by refugee and protection officers in Immigration New Zealand's Refugee Status Unit (RSU) after a written statement and interview. Declined claimants can appeal to the independent Immigration and Protection Tribunal.
Life in New Zealand
Money
3
Currency
New Zealand Dollar
NZD
New Zealand Dollar
Cost of living
89
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
10.5–39%
Income tax (national)
GST 15%
39% applies to income over NZD 180,000; ACC earners' levy is charged in addition.
Living
1
Happiness
#11 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Who it’s for
People in New Zealand who fear serious harm in their home country, or who would face torture, arbitrary deprivation of life or cruel treatment if deported.
Eligibility
Refugee
You are outside your country and face a real chance of serious harm (a sustained or systemic breach of a basic human right) because of race or ethnicity, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group, under the 1951 Convention and 1967 Protocol.
Protected person
There are substantial grounds to believe deportation would expose you to torture (Convention Against Torture) or arbitrary deprivation of life or cruel treatment (ICCPR).
Must be in New Zealand
You must be in New Zealand to claim, in person or in writing, to a police, immigration, or refugee and protection officer.
Official wording
You must be in New Zealand to claim. Claims can be made in person or in writing to a police officer, immigration officer or refugee and protection officer.
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- 5 more requirements
- 6 documents
- 3 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Official sources
- INZ - Claiming refugee or protected person status
- INZ - Claiming Refugee and Protection Status in New Zealand (guide, March 2021)
- INZ - Refugee Status Unit Practice Note, October 2025
- INZ - Confirmation of Claim form INZ 1071
- Ministry of Justice - Immigration and Protection Tribunal (updated 13 Oct 2026)
- IPT Guide 2 - Refugee and Protected Person Appeals
- INZ Operational Manual S3.10 - Residence for refugees and protected persons
- INZ - Refugee Family Support Resident Visa
