PPI stands for Potentially Prejudicial Information.

Why does Immigration send you a letter of concern or a PPI letter.

The Provision of Potential Prejudicial Information (PPI) is key to Immigration New Zealand’s decision-making framework. PPI includes information used in the assessment of an application that may adversely affect the outcome of an application. The PPI process provides applicants seeking New Zealand temporary or residence class visa the opportunity to consider and respond in a time-bound manner to the concerns raised by Immigration New Zealand against their application that can negatively affect the outcome before a final decision regarding their visa application is made.

When Immigration New Zealand identifies information that would be prejudicial to the positive outcome of visa application, it does not automatically decline the application. Instead, it issues a formal letter known as PPI letter, to the applicant or their nominated representative.

PPI is information or material that will or may adversely affect the outcome of an application. The scope of PPI for applicants outside NZ is limited to information that was not obtained from the applicant or their representative, is not publicly available and the applicant has not had the opportunity to comment on previously. The PPI letter is a means by which applicants are explained what the prejudicial information is and why it is prejudicial to their application, including what immigration instruction(s) the application does not meet.

In lines with principles of natural justice and procedural fairness, the PPI process not also provides applicants with information that might harm their case but also gives them the right to be heard. The applicants are given a reasonable time-bound opportunity to clarify and respond to the concerns regarding their ability to meet one or more requirements of the visa by way of explanation and additional supporting evidence to facilitate a favourable outcome.

The PPI process iterates Immigration New Zealand’s focus on a fair decision-making process and is not something that should be taken lightly by the applicants. Often it will be the last chance that an applicant will have at explaining their circumstances and demonstrating that intent to stay in New Zealand is bona-fide. An accurate, timely and well drafted response to any concerns raised by Immigration New Zealand in the PPI letter is one of the key determinants on whether an applicant will be given the opportunity to stay in New Zealand on a temporary or permanent basis.

The Provision of Potential Prejudicial Information (PPI) is key to Immigration New Zealand’s decision-making framework. PPI includes information used in the assessment of an application that may adversely affect the outcome of an application. The PPI process provides applicants seeking New Zealand temporary or residence class visa the opportunity to consider and respond in a time-bound manner to the concerns raised by Immigration New Zealand against their application that can negatively affect the outcome before a final decision regarding their visa application is made.

When Immigration New Zealand identifies information that would be prejudicial to the positive outcome of visa application, it does not automatically decline the application. Instead, it issues a formal letter known as PPI letter, to the applicant or their nominated representative.

PPI is information or material that will or may adversely affect the outcome of an application. The scope of PPI for applicants outside NZ is limited to information that was not obtained from the applicant or their representative, is not publicly available and the applicant has not had the opportunity to comment on previously. The PPI letter is a means by which applicants are explained what the prejudicial information is and why it is prejudicial to their application, including what immigration instruction(s) the application does not meet.

In lines with principles of natural justice and procedural fairness, the PPI process not also provides applicants with information that might harm their case but also gives them the right to be heard. The applicants are given a reasonable time-bound opportunity to clarify and respond to the www.livinginnz.co.nz

In plain English, it means that Immigration NZ have found that there is something that may go against your application, so it’s a chance for you to respond and clarify the matters, so that the decision that’s made is a fair decision.

Overseas Applications

Immigration NZ is not obliged to send you a PPI letter, so you must try to get it right the first time, INZ may decline your application without a PPI letter.

Onshore Applications

Immigration NZ will send you a PPI letter before a decision is made, should they find something that have a potential negative impact on your application, and normally allow a limited time for response. The response deadline will be mentioned in your letter. However you may request for an extension and the case officer may grant an extension for your reply, on a case by case basis.

Tips for Answering PPI letter

a) Read and understand the issues.

b) Provide an answer to every concern mentioned in the letter.

c) Provide as much evidence as possible.

d) Get professional help.

It is important that you take PPI letter very seriously and if you can’t answer it adequately or to the satisfaction of the case officer then the chances of the application being successful are bleak. While it is not mandatory for you to engage a professional to answer the PPI letter, it may be worth seeking professional help.

Disclaimer

The views expressed above are my own, please don’t take them as immigration advise on your application in isolation.