15 November 2023
Brenda Contla
[FYI request #24565 email]
DOIA 2324-0952
Tēnā koe Brenda
Thank you for your email of 28 October 2023 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the fol owing:
According to the data provided on the Immigration New Zealand webpage (accessed on
October 28, 2023), it is evident that 96.4% of the visa applications for the 2021 Resident visa
have been processed. However, since July, the number of processed visas has dramatically
decreased to approximately 100-200 per month. As there are still around 3,500 visas awaiting
processing, at this current rate, it would take another two years to complete the process.
I would like to know if this projected processing time aligns with your estimations, or if you
anticipate different processing times. Could you please provide an approximate timeline within
which you expect all the visas to be processed?
Response:
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is committed to processing 2021 Resident Visa applications as quickly as
possible. More than 97 per cent of applications have already been processed.
Generally, the remaining applications are of greater complexity, and most have been al ocated to
immigration officers. Processing times for these applications wil vary depending on individual
circumstances, including whether any third-party checks or additional information from the applicant
are required. Other factors, such as character or health issues, may also result in delayed visa processing.
For example, where an applicant is awaiting a court date.
For the above reasons, we cannot confirm when all of the remaining 2021 Resident Visa applications will
be finalised.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information
about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802
602.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, please contact
[email address].
Nāku noa, nā
Sarah Clifford
Director Visa
Chief Operating Officer Immigration Branch
Immigration New Zealand
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment