Visa processing times
We will ensure your application is right from the start.
How long until my New Zealand visa is approved?
Processing times vary greatly depending on the type of application, but on average, visitor, student, and work visas are processed within weeks.
Each person’s situation is different. Discuss you case with a Licensed Immigration Adviser today.
Visitor visas and NZeta
Visa type Average wait time New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) 24 hours Visitor Visa 1.5 weeks Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa 6 weeks Business Visitor Visa 4 days Work Visas
Visa type Average wait time 80% of applications AEWV (All roles) 3 weeks 7 weeks Working Holiday Visa 2 days 4 weeks Partner of a worker work visa 5 weeks 6 weeks Post-Study Work Visa 2.5 weeks 4 weeks Employer Accreditation and Job Check
Application type Average wait time 80% of applications Employer accreditations for AEWV 3 days 2 weeks Accreditation renewals 3 days 2 weeks Job checks (All roles) 3 days 2 weeks Job checks (Green list roles) 2 days 1.5 weeks Job checks (ANZSCO skill level 1 roles) 2 days 1.5 weeks Job checks (ANZSCO skill level 2 roles) 4 days 3 weeks Job checks (ANZSCO skill level 3 roles) 3 days 2 weeks Job checks (ANZSCO skill level 4 roles) 3 days 2 week Job checks (ANZSCO skill level 5 roles) 2 days 1 week Job checks (Hospitality sector roles) 1 week 2 weeks Job checks (Construction sector roles) 3 days 2.5 weeks Job checks (Primary Industry sector roles) 3 days 2 weeks Job checks (Tourism sector roles) 2 days 4 days Job checks (Retail sector roles) 3 days 2 weeks Job checks (Health sector roles all) 2 days 3 days Job checks (Health sector roles Green List) 2 days 2 days Job checks (Education sector roles) 2 days 4 days Job checks (ICT sector roles) 2 days 4 days Job checks (Transportation and logistics sector roles) 2 days 2 weeks Job checks (Other sector roles) 2 days 2 weeks Residency
Visa type Wait time Parent Resident Visa 9 months Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa 9 weeks Straight to Residence Visa 9 weeks Work to Residence Visa 8 weeks Permanent Resident Visa 1 week Partner of a New Zealand Resident Visa 5 months Student visas
Education provider Wait time Te Pūkenga 4 weeks Private Training Establishments 5 weeks Universities 4 weeks Schools 3 weeks Find out more about student visa requirements and study options on our dedicated portal.
Variations of conditions
Variations of conditions are processed within 2 to 4 weeks.
Business visas
Business visas are typically processed within 8-10 months.
How accurate is this information?
The information above is as at March 2026. Things change frequently and rapidly.
Each person’s situation is different and your circumstances may affect the time it takes Immigration New Zealand to process your application. Discuss you case with a Licensed Immigration Adviser today or take our eligibility assessment.
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