NEWS STATEMENT FROM IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND 

As we embark on a New Year, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has taken the opportunity to reflect on our border exception processing times.

Last year, INZ committed to processing border exception requests within two working days (except for other critical worker requests which are processed within two weeks). The two working day timeframe has created significant pressure on staff responsible for assessing these requests.

In the current global environment it appears that we can expect to have border restrictions in place for some time. The border exception environment is becoming more complex as new exception criteria are introduced. As we continue to receive thousands of requests for an exception each month, it is important for INZ take steps to balance the need for quick decisions with staff welfare considerations.

As a result, INZ will be changing the processing timeframe for border exception requests to five working days.

Current processing times largely depend on the type of request, with an average processing time of two days for requests under the “family of a New Zealand citizen or resident” and “family of a temporary visa holder” and three days for requests under the “humanitarian” category. “Ordinarily resident” exception requests, which are more complex, take longer.

INZ wants to make it clear that a significant proportion of border exception requests can be turned around quickly and we will continue to do this, with no plans to change the level of resourcing dedicated to processing these requests.

INZ’s Henderson office will also continue operate the priority process mailbox and humanitarian requests will continue to be prioritised. This will ensure that requests which require urgent attention are identified and escalated for immediate attention.

Thank you for your understanding.

SOURCE: Immigration New Zealand