How long does a work visa take in New Zealand?

Work visa processing in NZ typically takes 1-3 months. Essential Skills work visas take 1-2 months, Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV) take 20-40 working days for most applicants, and working holiday visas are faster at 2-4 weeks. Complex cases or additional verification can extend these timeframes.

How long does a residence visa take in New Zealand?

Residence visa processing in NZ takes 6-24 months depending on the category. Skilled Migrant Category takes 6-18 months, Parent Category takes 18-24+ months, and residence from work can take 6-12 months. Processing times increased significantly following COVID-19 backlogs.

How long does a partnership visa take in NZ?

Partnership-based visa processing varies by visa type. A Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa takes 3-6 months, while a Partner Category residence visa takes 9-18 months. You must prove your relationship is genuine and stable, living together for at least 12 months.

Why is my NZ visa taking so long?

Common reasons for visa delays include: incomplete documentation requiring follow-up, security or character checks, health examination requests, high application volumes in your category, complex circumstances requiring additional assessment, or errors in your application that need correction.

Can I speed up my NZ visa application?

You can help speed up processing by: submitting a complete application with all required documents, using certified translations, providing police certificates proactively, responding immediately to INZ requests, and having your medical examination done promptly when requested. Immigration lawyers can also help avoid common delays.

How Long Does Immigration Take in NZ? 2026 Processing Times

Work Visa Processing Times

Work visas are the most common visa type for migrants coming to New Zealand. Processing times depend on the specific work visa category and your circumstances.

Work Visa Type	Processing Time	Notes
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)	20-40 working days	Most common work visa since 2022
Working Holiday Visa	2-4 weeks	Usually fast, limited countries eligible
Partner of Worker	3-6 months	Depends on primary visa holder's status
Post-Study Work Visa	4-8 weeks	After completing NZ qualification
Specific Purpose Work Visa	4-12 weeks	Varies by purpose

AEWV Processing Breakdown

The Accredited Employer Work Visa involves three separate steps:

Employer Accreditation: 10-20 working days (employer applies)
Job Check: 10-15 working days (employer applies)
Work Visa: 20-40 working days (you apply)

Total timeline: If starting from scratch, allow 2-4 months for the complete process.

Residence Visa Processing Times

Residence visas take significantly longer than temporary visas. Current processing times reflect post-COVID backlogs that INZ is still working through.

Residence Category	Processing Time	Key Requirements
Skilled Migrant Category	6-18 months	Points-based, skilled employment
Residence from Work	6-12 months	2+ years on specific work visa
Partnership Category	9-18 months	Partner is NZ citizen/resident
Parent Category	18-24+ months	Limited places, Expression of Interest
Investor Category	12-24 months	Significant investment required
Entrepreneur Category	12-18 months	Successful NZ business for 2+ years

Partnership Visa Timeline

Partnership-based visas require proving a genuine and stable relationship. The timeline depends on whether you're applying for a work visa or residence.

Partnership Work Visa

Processing time: 3-6 months
Relationship proof: 12+ months living together
Partner status: NZ citizen or resident
Work rights: Open work visa
Duration: Up to 2 years

Partnership Residence

Processing time: 9-18 months
Relationship proof: 12+ months living together
Partner status: NZ citizen or resident
Health & character: Required
Outcome: Permanent residence

Partnership Evidence Requirements

INZ will assess your relationship carefully. Strong evidence speeds processing:

Joint bank accounts, tenancy agreements, utilities
Photos together over time, travel records
Statutory declarations from family and friends
Evidence of shared finances and responsibilities
Communication records if separated

Student Visa Processing Times

Student Visa Type	Processing Time	Notes
Fee Paying Student	4-8 weeks	Most international students
Pathway Student Visa	6-10 weeks	Multiple courses, one visa
Exchange Student	3-6 weeks	Through formal exchange programs
Partner of Student	6-10 weeks	If main applicant studying postgrad

Factors That Affect Processing Time

Common Causes of Delays

Incomplete application: Missing documents or information
Security checks: Character or security concerns
Health requirements: Medical examinations needed
Verification checks: Employment, qualifications, relationships
High application volumes: Peak seasons or policy changes
Complex circumstances: Previous visa refusals, overstays
Translation requirements: Documents not in English

How to Speed Up Your Application

Tips for Faster Processing

Submit complete applications: Include all required documents first time
Use certified translations: For all non-English documents
Get police certificates early: These can take weeks to obtain
Complete medical proactively: If likely to be required
Respond immediately: To any INZ information requests
Check documents carefully: Ensure names match exactly across documents
Use an immigration lawyer: They know how to avoid common errors
Apply online: Online applications are processed faster than paper

The Immigration Process Step by Step

Typical Visa Application Timeline

Week 1-2

Gather Documents

Collect all required documents, get translations, order police certificates

Week 2-3

Submit Application

Complete online application, upload documents, pay fee

Week 3-4

Initial Assessment

INZ checks application completeness, may request more information

Week 4-8

Detailed Assessment

Verification checks, security screening, may request medical

Week 8-12+

Decision

Application approved or declined, visa issued if approved

What Happens If Your Visa Is Delayed

If your application is taking longer than expected:

Check the INZ website: For current processing times and service disruptions
Log into your application: Check for any requests for information
Contact INZ: After the standard timeframe has passed
Seek advice: An immigration lawyer can check your application status

Immigration New Zealand Contact Options

Contact Method	Details
Online enquiry	immigration.govt.nz
Phone (NZ)	0508 558 855
Phone (overseas)	+64 9 914 4100
Immigration advisers	Must be licensed (check iaa.govt.nz)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while waiting for my visa?

Only if you have a current valid work visa or interim visa with work rights. Visitor visas and some other visa types don't allow work. Check your visa conditions carefully.

What if my visa expires while my new application is being processed?

If you apply for a new visa before your current visa expires, you may receive an interim visa allowing you to stay. Conditions depend on your application type and circumstances.

How do I check my application status?

Log into your Immigration Online account at immigration.govt.nz. You can see your application status and any requests for information.

Can I travel while my visa application is being processed?

Generally, you should avoid international travel while an application is pending. If you must travel, advise INZ and ensure you can re-enter NZ. Some visa types require you to be in NZ when approved.

What if my application is declined?

You may be able to appeal or request a reconsideration depending on the visa type and reasons for decline. Time limits apply - seek legal advice immediately if your visa is declined.