2015-Dec 11: Changes to SOPs - application lodgement, storing, and passport scanning

Visa Pak 240: Information for staff to alert them to changes to SOPs made relating to Immigration Online applications. These include scanning of travel documents, information requests, and requesting additional information.

Visa Paks

11 December 2015

Changes to SOPs - application lodgement, storing, and passport scanning

Several changes will be made to standard operating procedures (SOPs) on Monday 14 December.

These will reflect the following:

  • Offshore support and documentation officers no longer need to check that documents have been uploaded correctly on Immigration Online applications before allocating the applications to immigration officers.
  • Immigration Online applications may be either allocated to a “deferred queue” or allocated directly to an immigration officer while awaiting the arrival of passports or documents related to the application.
  • Passport scans do not need to be completed for Chinese passport holders applying for General Visitor Visa applications in China that have been triaged as low or medium risk. Officers must complete passport scans for other applications, unless other exemptions have been agreed to.
  • References to the use of ‘A4 pockets’ have been removed. SOPs are now silent on whether these should be used (or not). Provided passports and documents are kept securely, INZ offices are free to decide whether these should be used.

The following SOPs will be updated:

  • Accept / Pre-assess application – Lodgement
  • Accept / Pre-assess application – Allocation
  • Scan travel document
  • Monitor information requests
  • Manage the non-receipt of travel documents for online applications
  • Request additional information

Action
Please ensure that all staff are aware of and follow the amended SOPs.