For travelers, students, workers, and families with plans to move to or visit New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand has released the most recent visa processing times as of Thursday, September 11, 2025. These updates provide greater clarity for applicants by outlining how long it typically takes for different visa categories to be assessed and finalized.
This comprehensive breakdown not only details how the wait times are calculated but also offers insights into the various visa options available, helping applicants prepare in advance for one of the most important steps in their relocation or travel journey.
How Visa Processing Times Are Calculated
Immigration New Zealand uses two benchmarks to make processing times transparent and reliable:
- Average wait time: The period it took for 50% of applications to be processed.
- Most completed within: The timeframe in which 80% of applications were finalized.
Both benchmarks are measured in working days, which means weekends and public holidays are excluded. This system gives applicants a realistic picture of the timeline, avoiding assumptions or unrealistic expectations.
Visitor Visa and NZeTA
For short-term stays such as tourism, business visits, or family reunions, travelers typically apply for a visitor visa or an NZeTA. While the NZeTA is almost instant, more complex visitor visas can take longer, especially for those applying as partners or for business purposes.
Current processing 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 |
Work Visas
Work visas cover multiple pathways, from employer-sponsored visas to post-study opportunities. With New Zealand’s labor market needing skilled workers in certain areas, applicants can expect varying processing speeds depending on the visa type.
Current processing times:
| Visa Type | Average Wait Time | Most Completed Within |
|---|---|---|
| Accredited Employer Work Visa (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 |
Employer Accreditation and Job Checks
Employers wishing to hire overseas workers must first obtain accreditation and complete job checks to ensure genuine labor needs exist. These applications are often faster, reflecting the government’s aim to streamline labor shortages.
Current processing 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 |
Student Visas
International students remain a vital part of New Zealand’s education system. Since August 2025, all student visa applications have shifted to a modernized online system, designed to reduce delays. Processing times differ depending on whether the applicant is enrolling in a school, private institution, or university.
Current processing 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 |
Resident Visas
For individuals and families planning a long-term move, residency applications are the most complex and time-consuming. Categories include skilled migration, family sponsorship, and pathways for those already working in New Zealand. Some visas take only weeks, while others, such as parent visas, can extend to more than a year.
Current processing 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 weeks |
| 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 |
Tips for Faster Visa Processing
Applicants can avoid unnecessary delays by following a few practical steps:
- Apply early: Submitting months in advance helps avoid peak-season congestion.
- Provide complete documents: Missing forms or unclear copies are the top reasons for delays.
- Use the Immigration Online system: The updated platform reduces paperwork and streamlines communication.
- Confirm eligibility: Submitting under the wrong visa category wastes valuable processing time.
- Respond promptly to requests: Immigration officers often request additional documents—fast replies can keep your application moving.
The updated visa processing times make it easier for applicants to plan realistically. Quick approvals, such as NZeTA or working holiday visas, allow for flexibility in travel. Meanwhile, longer processes, especially for resident and family visas, require careful planning and patience.
For anyone considering studying, working, or living in New Zealand, understanding these timelines ensures smoother transitions, reduces stress, and helps set achievable expectations before making the big move.
