Processing times describe the time needed by INZ to process your visa application once you have lodged it. Generally work, visitor and student visas are processed between 1-2 months, however essential skills work visas are typically faster. We have seen work visas issued within a couple of days, much to the delight of our clients and their new employers.
If then applying for residence through the skilled migrant category, you can generally expect it to be processed within 14 months.
Keep in mind that individual processing times depend on the complexity of your application, on the need for further information and the number of other applications received by the authority.
For specific visa processing times for holiday visitors, work, and resident visas, view the table below:
Immigration New Zealand’s office in Beijing has been closed since 24th of January 2020. This office had the task to decide around 10,000 visa applications per week and would process about 50% of all temporary applications for New Zealand annually. The closure will reduce 130 immigration officers from the visa processing teams. Currently, visa applications from China are being transferred to other offices to be processed.
New Zealand government has implemented strong border restrictions to keep the number of outbreaks very low. This situation is expected to cause further delays in visa processing times for the following weeks, but we remain upfront and genuine in delivering what we promise. Starting with us sooner means we can use our 25 years of professional strategy to build your high-quality application swiftly and keep additional delays at bay, giving you the freedom to live where you really want.
Choosing the right visa type right from the start and submitting a professionally assessed complete visa application will be the best way to speed up your visa application process. We have seen work visas issued within a couple of days, much to the delight of our clients and their new employers.
Competent visa advice and careful preparation are the keys to a smooth visa application process and avoiding delays, regardless of which type of visa you are applying for.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) receives high numbers of applications between November and March. Therefore, it takes more time to get visas ready during that period. Submit your request as early as possible to allow enough time for your application to be processed before the date you intend to travel.
“In contrast to another Immigration consultancy that we contacted, your company offered a free webinar and an assessment, warm, approachable staff that communicates openly with potential customers. I found your website and it was very detailed and informative. I understand that your company is a fee for services provider, but that has not been conveyed as a prerequisite during the decision making process.”
At first, Maj kindly explained the whole process and what to expect. I was coached and introduced to New Zealand job market by their Job Search team, and getting assistance until I got a job in the country. The Visa team would also follow me up on my pending documents, so I never felt left out. Truly recommended for those seeking out an option to live in New Zealand. Big thanks from me and my whole family for things NZIC did for us..!
NZIC helped me in my way to get a Visa and job search. They were always available to talk to and were open to all sorts of questions. No matter how random they were. Very friendly staff. And even when they had changes in employee and advisors, they always stayed professional and up to date. I can only say good things and recommend them highly.
Very pleased and satisfied with the service we received from NZIC. They assisted me and my family from start to finish. Always willing to assist, and communicated our progress every step of the way. With their assistance we managed to obtain permanent resident visa status.
