INZ is making changes to how we prioritise some resident visa applications
On 24 February 2020, we are making changes to the allocation of Skilled Migrant Category and Residence from Work Category applications. We will continue to prioritise people with occupational registration and those earning twice the median wage (currently NZD $51 an hour and NZD $106,080 a year). However, applicants for Talent (Accredited Employer) Resident Visas will no longer be prioritised.
Demand for applications under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) and Residence from Work (RFW) Category has risen significantly over the past 18 months, resulting in an increase in processing times.
Who will be prioritised
We will continue to prioritise people with occupational registration and those earning twice the median wage (currently NZD $51 an hour or NZD $106,080 a year). Due to the volume of applications, applicants for Talent (Accredited Employer) Resident Visas will no longer be prioritised, unless they are either highly paid, or in an occupation requiring registration.
What this means for SMC and RFW applicants
This decision means the priority queue will be a smaller proportion of total applications on hand and INZ will be able to resume allocating applications from the general queue in the date order in which they were received. Allocation is when an application is given to an immigration officer to assess.
INZ acknowledges that increased wait times for allocation are an unavoidable consequence of increasing volumes of resident visa applications, but is confident that these changes will benefit more applicants.
INZ will review its approach to resident visa allocation and processing when the Government makes further decisions on the New Zealand Residence Programme.
Find out more
You can get more information about the changes, including what we know about how they will affect visa applicants and employers.
SMC and RFW prioritisation information for applicants
SMC and RFW prioritisation information for applicants
We are making changes to how we process Skilled Migrant Category and Residence from Work Category applications to make the prioritisation process more transparent, and to ensure non-priority applications continue to be assessed.
SMC and RFW prioritisation information for immigration advisers
SMC and RFW prioritisation information for immigration advisers
Immigration advisers need to be aware of the changes INZ is making to how we process Skilled/Business residence applications. We are making these changes to make the prioritisation process more transparent, and to ensure non-priority applications continue to be assessed.
SMC and RFW prioritisation information for employers
SMC and RFW prioritisation information for employers
Employers need to be aware of the changes INZ is making to how we process Skilled Migrant Category and Residence from Work Category applications. The changes mean some overseas workers may need to apply for further work visas while their resident visa application is processed.
SMC and RFW processing times
SMC and RFW processing times
The Government has decided to postpone a number of visa programmes, including selections for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the Skilled Migrant Category.