The following application types can be processed at the counter.
If the branch is unusually busy or we have reduced staff levels then we may not process your application immediately and ask you to collect your passport the following day.
Please note: The applications listed above must be complete applications to enable us to process them at the counter.
For all other application types, please:
Our current visa processing is 90% in 25 days. We have maintained this level of timeliness for the last three months and aim to continue to achieve this. Please be assured that we are doing everything we can to enable a timely decision to be made on your application. If an application is dependent on another person’s application, we will decide both applications in conjunction and the timing of both decisions will be relatively the same.
If you (the applicant) provide us with a complete application (all requirements under the particular immigration instructions are met and there are no outstanding documents) then we can decide your application in five working days.
We will be in contact with you within 48 hours if there are issues with your application to inform you of the timeframe and to ask you for further information if that is required. Examples of issues that may arise include health referrals (see the Health referrals section below) and labour market checks.
Submit a complete application to us.
To help you make sure you have included everything you need to apply for a visa, please refer to the checklist on your application form.
If the documents in the checklist are not provided, your application may be returned to you as ‘failed lodgement’.
For essential skills category (employer-sponsored) applications, please refer to our work visa information.
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, 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 up to four weeks to return to us. 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 application until all questions regarding your medical status have been resolved.
