Visa Application Delay in New Zealand: Thousands left in limbo

It's no secret that the process of obtaining a visa can be long and frustrating. Applicants are often left waiting for months on end, with no guarantee of success.

The Covid-19 pandemic has only made the process more difficult, as many countries have suspended or reduced their visa services.

Immigration New Zealand has introduced a fast-tracked process for residency applications, but it appears that decisions being made are not even among different nationalities.

There have been reports of delays in processing applications from certain countries, resulting in frustration and anxiety for those affected. Immigration New Zealand has responded to these reports, saying that they are working hard to process all applications as quickly as possible.

About 26% of all Chinese applicants had their residency approved, but 73% were still waiting for a decision - the highest among the top 10 nationalities. This statistic is surprising, given that the Chinese are the largest ethnic group in New Zealand.

Fiji and the Philippines had the second highest pending application rate at 68% of all applicants from each of the respective countries. The approval rates for the countries were about one-third.

(reference to https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/07/22/security-check-sees-some-residency-applications-delayed)

The high rate of applicants from India is likely due to the recent surge in popularity of the skilled migrant category visa.

The data shows that out of the number of people who applied from the United Kingdom 93% have received approval and only 3% are waiting for a decision.

When asked about the difference in rates between applicants of different nationalities, a spokesperson said it could vary depending on when people applied, if extra information was needed, and any extra checks like health or character.

In an interview with Q+A last month, National's immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford said the difference in the rate of approvals depending on where an applicant was from was because "Immigration New Zealand are making them do a National Security Check".

(reference to https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/07/22/security-check-sees-some-residency-applications-delayed)
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A national security check is a check of an applicant's criminal history and other information that may be relevant to their character. They are carried out by the country's security intelligence service. Applicants are required to provide information about their work and study history, as well as any involvement they have had with military and intelligence organisations, and that national security checks were carried out on all applicants, regardless of nationality.

However, it is not clear why some applicants are being asked to provide additional information or undergo extra checks. It is possible that this is due to the increased scrutiny of applications from certain countries, but it is also possible that it is simply a matter of processing backlogs.

Delays in processing applications is having a significant impact on people's lives. Those who have been waiting for months or even years to hear back about their application are struggling to plan for their future.

It is hoped that the New Zealand Government will be able to provide some clarity soon about the delays and why some applicants are being affected more than others. In the meantime, those who are waiting for a decision on their application can only hope that their case will be processed as quickly as possible.