If you are planning to visit, study, settle or work in New Zealand expect delays in the process of your visa application during this time of the year.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is currently receiving high numbers of visa applications. This is likely to continue until March 2019, according to INZ’s notification issued last week.
This is normal for this time of year as the number of visitor and student visa applications go up because of summer and the beginning of a new academic year.
When you are making travel plans you need to take these processing times into account. INZ’s advice is to submit your application as early as possible to allow enough time for your application to be processed before the date you intend to travel.
If you are applying for a visitor, student and work visa it is faster and easier to apply online using the INZ website. You can upload supporting documents and photographs and pay for your application online.
To ensure your application is processed as quickly as possible, INZ requires you to supply all relevant information with your application, including translations. According to them, if you do not supply the correct information this could hold up the processing of your visa.
It is also advised you should wait until your application is completed before you finalise your travel plans. INZ cannot prioritise visa applications even if you have already purchased travel.
In the 3 months to 1 December 2018, 75% of the visa applications for a visitor(on a holiday) were processed within 18 days, and 90% within 24 days.
During the same period, 75% of student visa applications were decided within 31 days, and 90% within 49 days.
