Auckland athlete Stephen Paea said he feared that if he left New Zealand, Immigration NZ would prevent him from re-entering the country.
The 19-year-old has lived in New Zealand since he was two-years-old and he only found out he was an overstayer last year.
He said his visa applications were declined with no explanation given.
"I found out just as I was in my last year at school and I was beginning to start applying for jobs when I was told by Immigration that I wasn't allowed to work because I didnt have a valid visa.