How long will it take Immigration New Zealand to process my visa or permit application?

The time it will take Immigration New Zealand to process your application can vary depending on:

the requirements of the immigration policy you are applying under, and
how complete and thorough your application is, and
how easily Immigration New Zealand can check the information you provide with your application, and
how well and how quickly you respond to any concerns that Immigration New Zealand raises with you in regard to your application.

Application processing times can also vary between offices. When Immigration New Zealand accepts your application, they will either give you a decision, or tell you within 14 days, how long the processing time is expected to be.

The amount of verification your application requires can affect the amount of time it takes to process your application. Applications that require the most verification, for example work permit or residence applications, typically take the longest to process.

Sometimes you may be required to provide further information to Immigration New Zealand before they can make a decision on your application, this can add to the time required to process your application.

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