​Immigration New Zealand (INZ) continues to see high volumes of temporary visa applications
since borders were fully opened from 31 July. As getting visitors into the country is important to families, the tourism industry and NZ regions, INZ is working hard to process applications as quickly as possible. INZ is dedicated to building up its capabilities to meet the demand. Through both people and technology, INZ is increasing its capacity to process applications rapidly. In addition, a dedicated team is exploring ways to further accelerate processing times and deliver a positive customer experience.
 
Anyone travelling to New Zealand must complete a New Zealand Travel Declaration. More
information can be found on the New Zealand Travel Declaration website.

​Applications for the 2021 Resident Visa (2021 RV) closed on 31 July 2022. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has approved more than 50 per cent of applications received since December 2021 when the category opened. INZ is committed to processing applications as quickly as possible and aim have the vast majority of the remaining applications decided by June 2023.
 
The time it takes to process an application depends on a number of factors, including third party checks, how long it takes for each processing task to be completed, whether manual assessment is needed, or whether there is pending from an applicant.
 
As a result, the order in which an application was released for processing does not determine the order that the application will be approved.

​All three stages of the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) policy are live, with
applications open for employer accreditation, job checks and work visas. Applications for all three stages are being made on the new enhanced Immigration Online platform.
 
The AEWV policy is an employer-led work visa approach, which is new to employers and
requires a different process to be followed to hire migrant workers. While INZ is working hard to support customers and train its staff, this takes time, and as with any new immigration policy and technology, there are always some initial issues that need to be ironed out.
 
There have been some hurdles, but where issues have occurred, INZ has worked to identify
and resolve these as quickly as possible.
 
To assist employers as they adjust to the new AEWV process and recognising the impact
COVID-19 has had on the New Zealand workforce, INZ has reviewed the AEWV application
process to ensure it is quick and easy for employers to access the migrant workers they need.