New Zealand Revises Processing Times for NZeTA, Work, Student, and Resident Visas
New Zealand is a dream destination for many travelers and migrants. To facilitate your journey, Immigration New Zealand has released updated visa processing times as of September 11, 2025. Understanding these timelines can help you prepare better for your trip or relocation.
Below, we’ll explore various visa types, their processing durations, and practical tips to avoid delays.
How Visa Wait Times Are Determined
Visa processing times are not arbitrary. Immigration New Zealand bases these times on two key benchmarks:
- Average Wait Time: This reflects how long it took to process 50% of applications.
- Most Completed Within: This indicates the time it took for 80% of applications to be processed.
Both metrics are calculated in working days, excluding weekends and public holidays.
1. Visitor Visa and NZeTA
If you’re visiting New Zealand for leisure, business, or to see family, you will likely need an NZeTA or a visitor visa. Processing times can differ, particularly for partners and business visitors. Thus, early planning can lead to a smoother experience.
Current Wait Times:
| Visa Type | Average Wait Time | Most Completed Within |
| NZeTA | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Visitor Visa | 1 week | 2 weeks |
| Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa | 3.5 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Business Visitor Visa | 3 days | 1 week |
2. Work Visas
Work visas cover various scenarios, including job offers from accredited employers and post-study opportunities. Each visa category has different processing times, which helps manage expectations.
Current Wait Times:
| Visa Type | Average Wait Time | Most Completed Within |
| AEWV | 2 weeks | 5 weeks |
| Partner of a Worker Work Visa | 3 weeks | 5 weeks |
| Post-Study Work Visa | 3 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Working Holiday Visa | 2 days | 2 weeks |
3. Employer Accreditation and Job Checks
Before hiring overseas workers, employers must obtain accreditation and job checks. This process ensures the role genuinely requires migrant workers. Fortunately, these applications are often processed faster than personal visa requests.
Current Wait Times:
| Visa/Product Type | Average Wait Time | Most Completed Within |
| Employer Accreditation for AEWV | 2 days | 2 weeks |
| Accreditation Renewals | 3 days | 2.5 weeks |
| Job Checks (All Roles) | 3 days | 2 weeks |
| Job Checks (Green List Roles) | 2 days | 1 week |
4. Student Visas
For those planning to study in New Zealand, a student visa is essential. Since August 2025, all international student visa applications have been processed through an updated online system, with varying times based on the type of institution.
Current Wait Times:
| Education Provider | Average Wait Time | Most Completed Within |
| Te Pūkenga | 2.5 weeks | 5.5 weeks |
| Private Training Establishments | 3 weeks | 6 weeks |
| Schools | 2 weeks | 3.5 weeks |
| Universities | 2.5 weeks | 4.5 weeks |
5. Resident Visas
For anyone aiming to settle in New Zealand long-term, obtaining a resident visa is crucial. Options vary from skilled migrants to family categories. However, these applications take longer, so it’s essential to be aware of the timelines.
Current Wait Times:
| Visa Type | Average Wait Time | Most Completed Within |
| Parent Resident Visa | 13 months | 18 months |
| Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | 9 weeks | 3 months |
| Work to Residence Visa | 8 weeks | 10.5 months |
| Straight to Residence Visa | 9 weeks | 3.5 months |
| Permanent Resident Visa | 4 days | 2 weeks |
| Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa | 5 months | 8 months |
Conclusion
If New Zealand is on your horizon, knowing these wait times can significantly assist your planning. Short-term visas like the NZeTA and working holiday approvals are processed quickly, while resident visas may take several months or longer.
By preparing in advance, you can minimize last-minute stress and ensure a smoother transition to your new adventure in New Zealand.
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