We understand how important it is to you that we process your application as quickly as possible.
We will receipt all applications and lodge them into our computer system within 24 hours. If you have supplied us with your email address or mobile phone number, you will receive notification that we have received your application.
How soon can you expect your temporary visa/permit application to be finalised?
We realise that you have a lot of things to keep in mind when you are preparing to visit, study, work, or live in New Zealand.
In order to help you make your preparations, we have put together some approximate timeframes and guidelines around the Immigration New Zealand temporary entry permit/visa application process.
Medical and Chest X-ray Certificates
In November 2005 Immigration New Zealand introduced new guidelines concerning the medical status of people applying for visas and permits to visit, study, work or live in New Zealand.
If you have an existing medical condition or there are questions arising from the Medical and or Chest X-ray Certificate that you have submitted with your application for a visa/permit, Immigration New Zealand is required to refer your documents to an independent Medical Assessor for their opinion on your health.
Certificates referred to an assessor can take a minimum of four weeks to return to Immigration New Zealand. Following this you may be asked to provide additional information in the form of specialist reports clarifying the nature and prognosis of your condition.
Please be aware that no decision can be made on the outcome of your visa/permit application until all questions regarding your medical status have been resolved.
Temporary entry permits/visas
If your application includes full and accurate documentation, and there are no complications arising (eg health referrals), we will meet the following standards.
- Work visas/permits – up to 30 calendar days
Work to Residence (Talent Visa and Long Term Skill Shortage applications) are processed within 5 working days.
- Visitor visas/permits – up to 14 calendar days
- Student visas/permits – up to 30 calendar days
- Returning resident's visas (RRVs) – up to 10 calendar days.
Where we cannot process applications within these timeframes, you will be contacted by phone or mail.
Processing for all temporary student and guardian applications has been centralised to the Palmerston North Student Processing branch. This does not apply to those already catered for by Students Online.
Please courier your applications directly to the Palmerston North Student Processing branch at:
Physical address
Immigration New Zealand
Level 4
State Insurance Building
61-75 Rangitikei Street
Palmerston North
Postal address
Immigration New Zealand (Student Section)
PO Box 1049
Palmerston North