Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is operating under the same Alert Level 4 lockdown requirements as all businesses, which means that INZ offices are currently closed and most INZ staff are now working remotely.

While working remotely presents challenges to some of their people, the visa processing workforce have the ability to work from home, which means they are focussing on online applications, including border exceptions.

INZ are doing their best to continue processing as many visa products as possible under the current restrictions, including providing further training to staff. Note that the current COVID-19 restrictions do impact their ability to process paper applications. INZ’s drop boxes are closed and no mail or courier parcels are able to be opened. These will be held at the courier depot in the meantime.

INZ understands the uncertainty this recent change of alert levels may have on visa applicants, but they remain committed to processing applications as quickly as possible.

INZ will take a pragmatic approach to requests for further information, taking into consideration the difficulties that some applicants may have in responding or providing additional information. INZ encourages applicants to scan pending documents and email them to their Immigration Officer. 

If you were intending to submit a request under Section 61, these can be received via email to the S61 department

Further updates will be available on the INZ website.

Source: INZ