11 October 2023 
 
Wendy Yang 
[FYI request #24133 email]  
 
 
 
 
 
 
DOIA 2324-0593 
 
Tēnā koe Wendy, 
 
Thank you for your email of 13 September 2023 requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 
(the Act), the following information: 
“1. Please help provide the entire process for each visa category from submission of 
application to assignment to different branches and visa officers.  
2. Are visa applications allocated in order of visa submission date?  
3. Are visa numbers sorted by submission date? Why can some visas under the same 
visa category have late submission dates but be assigned to visa officers in advance?” 
 
I am writing to advise you that MBIE has decided to extend the period of time available to notify you of 
a decision on your request under section 15A(1)(a) of the Act, as the request necessitates a search 
through a large quantity of information and meeting the original time limit would unreasonably 
interfere with the operations.  
 
As such, a proper response cannot reasonably be made within the original time limit. MBIE will notify 
you of a decision on your request no later than 20 October 2023. 
 
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, or if you require any further 
assistance, please contact [email address] 
  
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of our decision to extend 
the time limit. Information about how to make a complaint is available at 
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602. 
 
Nāku noa, nā  
 
 
 
Jack Price  
Manager, Ministerial Services  
Associate Deputy Secretary Immigration Branch  
Immigration New Zealand  
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment 

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