Following the national lockdown, INZ said that they had to close their processing offices which will further impact assessment timeframes. In addition, all INZ’s overseas offices are closed for the foreseeable future as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While they have a small number of staff operating from the Head Office in Wellington, their priority is dealing with any COVID-19 requests. Responses are being prioritised based on the direction of Government for exceptional cases. INZ prioritise Section 61 requests and temporary visa holders who expire on or before 1 April 2020. No other visa applications are being processed at this time.

As you will be aware, INZ are currently being inundated with requests and we are working very hard to manage the queries coming in. Please only call the Immigration New Zealand contact centre if the situation is urgent.

INZ are continuing to provide advice to Ministers on the issues being raised earlier regarding employment and visa matters and they will provide you with any new information as soon as it is available.