New Zealand Law & Potential Deportation

NZ Resident Class visa holders (Resident visa holders and NZ Permanent Resident visas) must comply with New Zealand law, along with everyone else. Resident visa holders along with temporary visa holders face the chance of deportation, if they are convicted of a crime.

Section 161 of the Immigration Act 2009 (Act) stipulates that holders of resident class visas may be subject to deportation, if convicted of a criminal offense for which the Court has the authority to impose imprisonment sentences.

The duration of residency impacts the threshold for the severity of the offense required to trigger this deportation liability. Any resident class visa holder who has been charged with an offence needs to understand the potential for deportation at a very early stage.

We have two examples of global candidates, on temporary visas facing this potential situation. 

Recently we started processing Permanent Residency applications, for candidates on RV21 visas who have held their visa for two years. These candidates must have lived in NZ for the requisite period and contributed positively to NZ society. 

Unfortunately, two such candidates now face the real prospect of potential deportation. 

If you require support with any of these issues: residency , permanent residency or citizenship applications or deportation liability.

Please contact me for your obligation free consultation and support.

Kind Regards,

Steve Baker
General Manager
Licensed Immigration Advisor 201801044
P: 03 353 0680
M: 027 212 5483