The application process differs for each category, but there are some questions which are often asked about all types of applications.
How much does it cost and when should I pay?
You need to pay the correct fee when you lodge your application. The amount you have to pay varies depending on the type of application, your country of citizenship and where you currently live. There are two ways to find out the fee you have to pay:
We cannot refund the fee once your application has been accepted for processing. The same amount of work is involved whether we decide to approve or decline your application.
People who are applying for residence should be aware of our migrant levy.
Where will my application be processed?
In most cases, your application will be processed at the Immigration New Zealand office where you lodged your application. However in some cases we may decide your application should be processed at a different office. If we decide this, we will let you know which office will be processing your application.
What does processing involve?
As soon as your application has been accepted for processing, we will send you an acknowledgement letter telling you either the name of the officer looking after your application and how to contact them, or the likely date that an officer will be available to assess your application.
In the acknowledgement letter we may also ask you to provide any further information or documents. We may also return original documents like passports and birth certificates at this stage.
The work involved in processing your application typically involves:
- checking your application against immigration policy requirements
- assessing whether you are a bona fide applicant and what benefits or potential risks to New Zealand are involved
- verifying any information and documents you have provided
- confirming details of your relationship with your partner or family members.
Before making a decision on your application, we may also ask you to:
- produce any other photographs, documents and information
- produce any travel tickets or evidence of onward travel arrangements
- (in the case of an applicant for a work visa or a student visa) undergo a medical examination
- (in the case of a residence application) undergo a further medical examination or appear for an interview.
How long will it take?
The time it will take for us to process your application can vary depending on:
- the requirements of the immigration policy you are applying under
- the completeness of your application
- how easily we can check the information you provide
- how well and how quickly you respond to any concerns we raise with you.
Processing times can also vary between offices. When we accept your application we will either give you a decision or tell you within 14 days how long the processing time is predicted to be.
The amount of verification your application requires can affect the amount of time it takes to process your application. Applications that require the most verification, for example work permit or residence applications, typically take the longest to process.
We may find that you need to provide us with further information before we can make a decision on your application, which will also add to the processing time.
Below are some tips that can help the application process.
Tips to help you with the application process
Check you have everything
The best way to ensure application process goes well is to include all the information and documentation we require with your application form. Generally speaking, the more information you provide the faster we will be able to make our decision.
The application form will say whether you need to include certified copies, originals or photocopies. You should include appropriate English translations if necessary.
Think ahead
If you are coming to New Zealand on a temporary permit, but there is a chance that you might apply for residence later on, think ahead. Check what documents are required for a residence application and bring them with you (originals or certified copies). It is easier and quicker than having to go back to your home country to get them later, or asking friends or family to retrieve the documents for you.
Check your passport
Make sure your passport is current and has enough space left for a visa or permit to be added. If you don’t yet have a passport or it is unavailable, you can provide your birth certificate or other identity document. However, assuming your application is successful, you will need to have a passport at the time a decision is made on your application so we can place a visa or permit in it.
Don’t leave it till the last minute
If you are already in New Zealand and applying for a further permit, please do not leave your application until just before your current permit expires. If your permit expires you will have to leave New Zealand.
How do I find out the progress of my application?
Once we have accepted your application you will be given the contact details of the person processing your application.
If you applied online, you can check the status of your application by logging into your Online Services account and going to ‘What’s Happening?’ If you applied using a paper form, but want to be able to check your status online, you can provide deatils on your form that will give you an Online Enquiry option. This will allow you to set up an account on the site and receive updates.
If you contact us through our Online Help system, we will be able to tell you the status of your online application. We are unable to provide information about decisions through email. You will be able to get more information by phone, but decisions will not be discussed until you have received the decision in writing.
If you are using an agent or consultant, you should also get in touch with them to find out whether they are aware of any problems or delays.
Agents are now able to set their own unique identification codes for their clients. The person filling out an application form needs to write in a code that can be used by the agent for their reference.