Update from INZ - 08 September 2021

More immigration officers are returning to offices outside Auckland from Monday next week, which means that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will be processing both online and paper applications. 

Mail redirected
Mail has now been redirected from the Auckland documentation office to offices outside the city. Some paper applications have also been moved for lodgement and processing. There will be delays in the receipting and lodgement of paper applications as these applications are processed by other offices. 
Online VOC request process
Online requests for a Variation of Conditions (VOC) of a work visa went live last Friday. Requests will be processed in the order received, with priority given to paper VOCs submitted prior to lockdown. Only conditions related to work visas can be requested through this channel.

Application refunds
Clients who have submitted both a paper and online application will be eligible for a fee refund on one of these applications. Immigration New Zealand will work with the client once the application is assessed.

Exceptional circumstances
Individuals in exceptional circumstances awaiting a decision on a paper-based temporary visa application are encouraged to contact the Immigration Contact Centre (ICC) to discuss the options available to them.