These are INZ's published wait times: the average, and the time within which most applications are decided. They're for complete, straightforward applications; yours can be faster or slower.
From INZ's wait time pages, read 29 October 2026. INZ updates them regularly.
Visitor visas
| Visa | Average | Most within |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | 1 week | 2 weeks |
| Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa | 4 weeks | 7 weeks |
| Business Visitor Visa | 3 days | 1 week |
| NZeTA | 24 hours | Allow 3 days |
Work visas
| Visa | Average | Most within |
|---|---|---|
| Accredited Employer Work Visa (all roles) | 2 weeks | 5 weeks |
| AEWV, Green List roles | 2 weeks | 4.5 weeks |
| AEWV, skill level 3 roles | 3 weeks | 6.5 weeks |
| AEWV, construction roles | 3 weeks | 6.5 weeks |
| Partner of a Worker Work Visa | 3 weeks | 5 weeks |
| Post-Study Work Visa | 2 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Working Holiday Visa | 1 week | 2 weeks |
| Variation of conditions (work) | 1.5 weeks | 2 weeks |
Employers
| Application | Average | Most within |
|---|---|---|
| Employer accreditation (new or renewal) | 2 days | 1 week |
| Job check (all roles) | 2 days | 1.5 weeks |
| Job check, Green List roles | 2 days | 3 days |
| Job check, hospitality, tourism, retail | 2 to 3 days | 2 weeks |
Student visas
| Provider | Average | Most within |
|---|---|---|
| Universities | 2 weeks | 5 weeks |
| Polytechnics and institutes of technology | 3 weeks | 7 weeks |
| Private training establishments | 3 weeks | 6.5 weeks |
| Schools | 3 days | 2 weeks |
Resident visas
| Visa | Average | Most within |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Migrant Category | 9.5 weeks | 4 months |
| Straight to Residence | 8 weeks | 3.5 months |
| Work to Residence | 8 weeks | 3 months |
| Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa | 6 months | 7 months |
| Parent Resident Visa | 6 months | 11 months |
| Permanent Resident Visa | 1.5 weeks | 2 weeks |
INZ receives the most applications between November and March, so allow longer then.
Where an adviser helps: most delays come from incomplete applications: missing translations, unclear evidence, or a character or health issue that needs explaining. A licensed adviser can prepare an application so it's "straightforward" in INZ's terms, and help you respond quickly if INZ asks for more.
What slows an application down
INZ says these make an application complex:
- applying to come to New Zealand for the first time
- medical issues, or a history of them
- being part of a group application
- waiting on others: police certificates, qualification checks
- information that needs more review, such as travel history or circumstances at home
- concerns from previous visits, such as overstaying
- declared character issues.
A straightforward application includes all required evidence, has no mistakes, and shows clearly that you meet the requirements. Check your email (and spam folder) for requests from INZ: an unanswered request is a common cause of delay.
Can I speed it up?
- Green List job checks and AEWVs are prioritised automatically.
- Skilled residence applications are escalated for Green List Tier 1 roles, pay of 3 times the median wage, or SMC applicants with 6 points without work experience.
- Anyone can email an escalation request with a compelling reason: serious personal or business circumstances, humanitarian factors, or national interest. Escalation only affects when your application is allocated to an officer.
- Students: apply at least 3 months before your course starts.
While you wait
- Keep your current visa valid. If it expires while INZ decides, you'll normally get an interim visa.
- Tell INZ about changes. See change of circumstances.
- Respond to any PPI letter by the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an AEWV take?
On average 2 weeks; most are decided within 5 weeks.
How long does the Skilled Migrant Category take?
On average 9.5 weeks; most within 4 months.
How long does a partner resident visa take?
On average 6 months; most within 7 months.
Why is my visa taking longer than the published time?
Usually because it's complex: first-time applicants, health or character issues, waiting on police certificates, or an unanswered request from INZ.
Can I pay to speed up my application?
No. You can ask for escalation with a compelling reason, but there's no paid priority service.
Getting help
If your application is well past INZ's times, check your email and Immigration Online first. A licensed immigration adviser can check what's holding it up and help with an escalation request. If INZ sends a PPI letter or declines, talk to an adviser or immigration lawyer quickly.
Tell us your situation and we'll introduce you to a licensed adviser or immigration lawyer. It's free to ask.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand, "How long it takes to process an application" (visitor, work, employer, student and resident visa wait times), "Why some applications are processed faster than others", "Escalation for urgent applications" and "How we process applications" (immigration.govt.nz), read 29 October 2026.