The number of Skilled Migrant Resident Visa approved has been declining and possibly more

Recent data from Immigration New Zealand which shows the number of applications accepted for processing by INZ.   Being accepted means, each application met the requirements of INZ, but it doesn't mean they all were successful. 

As you can see from below table, there was a notable hike in 2016/2017 which was due to the election and many applicants were worried that if labour party came into the power, the immigration policy would change hence everyone wanted to submit before the new government kicked in.  It would have created the delay of processing of each application in 2017. 

In 2017/2018, there were almost 5000 less for skilled migrant category applications which continue showing for 2018/2019.  For 1 July 2018 to 3 October 2018 is 5003 then it would be around 20,000 for the year of 2018/2019.  Therefore regarding the number of resident visa approved, the new government managed to reduce by 5000 per year.  The upcoming changes to SMC resident visa in November will affect the figure more.  

Currently, INZ is undergoing significant changes via closing up many offshore offices, introducing changes to the process and structure of the organisation.  We will see the impact of the change next year.