Waiting for a decision on your visa application is stressful, this is why we would like to give you more information about INZ timeframes, the issues we face and what’s planned going forward.

Partnership visas

Majority of INZ applications for partnership visas (partner of a student, worker or New Zealander) are processed at Hamilton branch. They currently assess applications lodged in October 2019 (there are actually 3 queues which move with about the same pace). Unfortunately, there is no way to know how quickly an application is going to be assessed or where exactly it is in the queue. To check the overall assessment duration, please click HERE.

Skilled Migrant resident visas

As of 30 November 2019, INZ held 26,604 residence applications on hand and 8,103 family visa applications (there is no later data available). At this stage, INZ say they allocate SMC applications received in the beginning of 2019, which is extremely slow. INZ assessment timeframes suggest it will take about 14 months to process a resident visa application at this stage. They do not prioritise files if the applicant’s temporary visa expires and use the “first come – first served” rule.

Data source – Migration Data Explorer

Further delays related to Coronavirus outbreak

INZ Beijing office remains temporarily closed as part of the ongoing management and response to coronavirus. This office closure means INZ have 130 fewer immigration officers in the network processing predominantly student and visitor visas. Around 6,500 visitor and student visa applications have already been transferred from the Beijing office to other processing offices, which does not help to clear the backlog.

What INZ are doing and what to expect?

INZ say they are working hard to minimise the impact on processing time as much as possible and have business continuity plans in place. They are making decisions on a daily basis in regards to how to best manage the temporary closure and honor our commitments to processing on hand applications.

As an applicant, you would most likely have to wait longer than expected, everyone is in the same boat here. Please ensure you are staying on a valid visa if you are already in New Zealand – if it expires and you need help applying for a new one – please email us 2-3 months in advance to ensure you are not stuck.

We would very much like to help all of our respected clients with their application timeframes, but these timeframes are not statutory, which means the Government cannot be held accountable for slow visa processing – they are simply not required to complete the files within a certain timeframe. Nevertheless, we see constant movement in our applications and can assure you that the queue is moving.