How long it takes to process a visa application
We process applications as soon as we can. To avoid delays, check that the information in your application is complete and correct.
Processing times can vary
We are committed to delivering the fastest possible service for visa applicants. How long it takes us to process your application depends on how complex it is. We consider every application separately to make sure it aligns with New Zealand's immigration policy and regulations.
Allow more time during busy months
We receive high numbers of applications between November and March. This means it may take us longer to process your visa application during this time. Submit your application as early as possible to allow enough time for your application to be processed before the date you intend to travel.
Check your status online
If you applied online, you can check the status of your application and find out if we need more information from you.
Checking your application status
Average processing times
Find out how many calendar days it has taken us to process applications for our most common visas in the 3 months to 1 March 2019. For applications that take more than 90 days we have rounded that number to the nearest month. For example, if applications take 110 days, we say it takes 4 months.
If your application is taking longer to process than the normal time frame for that type of visa, you can contact us.
Visitor visa
| Visa | 75% of applications completed within: | 90% of applications completed within: | 95% of applications completed within: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor (holiday) | 20 days | 34 days | 53 days |
Find recent processing times for other types of visitor visa, for example business and group visitor visas.
Fees, decision times & where to apply
Student visas
| Visa | 75% of applications completed within: | 90% of applications completed within: | 95% of applications completed within: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee Paying Student | 28 days | 54 days | 72 days |
| Variation of conditions on a student visa | 18 days | 32 days | 45 days |
Find recent processing times for other student visas.
Fees, decision times & where to apply
Work visas
| Visa | 75% of applications completed within: | 90% of applications completed within: | 95% of applications completed within: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials Skills | 77 days | 3 months | 4 months |
| Partner of a New Zealander | 56 days | 80 days | 4 months |
| Partner of student | 54 days | 85 days | 3 months |
| Partner of worker | 51 days | 82 days | 3 months |
| Post-study work visa | 26 days | 31 days | 38 days |
| Variation of conditions on a work visa | 9 days | 19 days | 27 days |
Find recent processing times for other work visas.
Fees, decision times & where to apply
Residence visas
| Visa | 75% of applications completed within: | 90% of applications completed within: | 95% of applications completed within: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner of a New Zealander | 7 months | 10 months | 12 months |
| Permanent Resident Visa | 20 days | 30 days | 38 days |
| Skilled Migrant | 7 months | 10 months | 13 months |
| Transfer of visa to new passport | 12 days | 17 days | 21 days |
| Variation of travel conditions on a resident visa | 24 days | 32 days | 42 days |
Find recent processing times for other residence visas.