We posed the following questions to Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse:
Are you looking at increasing the staff strength of Immigration New Zealand (INZ) so that applications can be processed within a reasonable timeframe for Visit Visa (not more than 10 working days), Student Visa (30 days) and PR (18 months)? Do you think the timeframe suggested by us is too short, if so what would be the ideal timeframe?
His reply:
In the vast majority of cases, the data shows that INZ is meeting the timeframes you suggest.
More than 90% of temporary (student, visitor and work) applications are now decided within 30 days.
Last year, 91% of permanent residence applications in the business/skilled visa categories were decided within 12 months.
Across all categories (including family/humanitarian categories) more than four out of five permanent residence applications were decided within 12 months.
