18 April 2024
Nessy-Rose
[FYI request #26164 email]
DOIA 2324-2051
Tēnā koe Nessy Rose
Thank you for your correspondence of 19 March 2024 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and
Employment (MBIE) requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following:
Pursuant to the Official Informa�on Act 1982, I request the fol owing informa�on from Immigra�on New
Zealand.
1. Detailed explanation and documentation of the criteria used by INZ to assess whether the
"compel ing personal circumstances" threshold is met to expedite case officer allocation for Family
Category visa applications. This request seeks to understand the framework, guidelines, or
quantifiable measures that guide decision-making in these assessments.
2. Any available categorisation or examples of circumstances previously recognised as "compel ing"
for expediting case officer allocation. This includes, but is not limited to, any internal memos,
guidelines, or case studies that may il ustrate the application of these criteria.
3. Statistical information on the number of Family Category visa applications expedited due to
"compel ing personal circumstances" over the past six months, including a breakdown by the nature
of these circumstances.
This request aims to clarify how INZ ensures consistency and fairness in applying its criteria for
expediting case officer allocation for "compel ing personal circumstances," particularly in the
absence of publicly available, detailed guidelines. Understanding the basis for these decisions is
crucial for applicants to navigate their options and ensure transparency and accountability in the
immigration process.
This request is made with a complete understanding and respect for the privacy and confidentiality
obligations that Immigration New Zealand must adhere to. Therefore, I seek aggregated or
anonymized data where necessary and do not request any personal information that could
potentially identify individual applicants. My interest lies in the procedural aspects and the
application of policies by INZ, rather than the specifics of individual cases.
I understand my request should be responded to under the Official Information Act within 20
working days. Please do not hesitate to contact me here if you require any clarification regarding
this request.
I am writing to advise you that MBIE has decided to extend the period of time available to make a decision
on your request under section 15A(1)(b) of the Act, as consultations necessary to make a decision on your
request are such that a proper response to the request cannot reasonably be made within the original time
limit.
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 9 May 2024.
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