The tables below show the percentage of applications processed in the branch within 25 days for the last three months.
In some cases, where more information is needed to support an application, for example a labour market check or a medical referral, applications can take longer. Other than the table above, we are unable to predict how long each individual application is likely to take, but we are committed to delivering the fastest possible service and we will keep in touch with you throughout the process of your application.
What are the processing times for the different types of visa applications? The average processing times for various application types are given below. However, these times may differ across individual applications and can be brought forward or pushed further back depending on risks perceived in individual applications.
All applications are allocated to case officers within five working days of being received. The processing time frame is between one to four weeks depending on the level of verification and assessment required. In the event that the processing time extends beyond five working days, applicants will receive notification of this from the immigration officer assessing the application.
All applications are subject to verification checks and the average processing times are as given above. However, the processing time may differ across different applications depending on the level of verifications deemed necessary.
Please note that some applications may be transferred to INZ Mumbai for processing. In such cases applicants will receive notification of this within two working days.
All student visa applications are currently being processed at INZ Mumbai. All applications are allocated to an immigration officer for assessment within two to three weeks of being received by INZ. Total processing time should be eight to 10 weeks depending on the level of investigation and verification required.
If the application does not include the required documents that are given in the India – student visa checklist DOC [184KB], it is likely that the application will take longer to be processed.
The processing time may differ across individual applications and can be brought forward or pushed back depending on risks perceived and verifications required in individual applications.
The time frame for applications lodged under these categories is six to eight weeks for allocation and between one to four months for processing from the date the application is allocated to an officer.
Note: The processing time frame for visitor visa and work visa applications sponsored by a New Zealand resident/citizen under Partnership grounds is the same.
We will send an acknowledgement letter reconfirming the time frames for allocation and processing of the application once the same is lodged.
Such applications cannot be decided ahead of the student visa application on which it is dependent, and hence the application(s) will be held in a queue until the student visa application is decided. The dependents’ application will be allocated to an officer within six to eight weeks from the date of finalisation of the main student visa application. The processing can take between one to four months from the date the application is allocated to an officer depending upon the nature and number of verifications the application requires.
Note: The processing time frame for visitor visa and work visa applications under this category is the same.
Eight weeks for allocation to an immigration officer and a further nine to 12 months from date of allocation for processing.
Demand for non-priority residence places currently exceeds the number of places available. There have been changes made to immigration family policies which will help New Zealand attract and retain skilled migrants, and ensure that family migrants can settle well and are self-sufficient.
See the Parent Category web pages for more information.
The time taken to allocate an Expression of Interest (EOI) or an application for processing varies depending on which tier you submit your EOI under, or whether you have an application lodged under the previous Parent Category.
If you have already lodged a Family Parent Category application before 16 May 2012, your application will remain in a queue until a place becomes available. These applications will be processed after tier one EOIs.
On 16 May 2012, the Sibling and Adult Child Category of residence closed. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) no longer receives applications for residence under this category. INZ will return any applications under this category received on or after 16 May 2012 without processing them (no fee will be charged).
Any applications for residence under the Sibling and Adult Child Category that were accepted for processing by INZ on or before 15 May 2012 will be processed. These will need to meet the requirements of the residence instructions that were in place at the time the application was accepted by INZ.
These applications will be processed with other Parent Category applications in order of the date received and if there are places available after processing of tier one Parent Category applications.
See the Sibling and Adult Children web pages for more information.
We are forwarding Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to our Beijing branch for processing. Please continue to submit your EOIs to the pool for processing.
Skilled Migrant Category applications – please refer to the information contained in the Invitation to Apply letter – this will tell you about where to lodge your application, along with allocation and processing time frames.
