Once you’ve applied for a New Zealand visa, the next step is to track the status of your application. Whether you’ve submitted your visa for tourism, work, study, or residency, staying updated on its progress is essential. Fortunately, New Zealand offers a few efficient ways to check the status of your visa application online and via phone.
NEW ZEALAND VISA STATUS ENQUIRY This guide will walk you through the key methods for checking the status of your New Zealand visa and provide tips to ensure that you’re informed throughout the process.
1. Methods for Checking Visa Status
There are several ways to enquire about your New Zealand visa status, including online platforms and contacting immigration services directly. Depending on how you applied (online or by paper), the options for tracking may vary.
a. Online Portal – Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Account
The most common method to check your visa status is via the official Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website. If you submitted your application online, you can log into your INZ account to track progress.
Steps to check visa status online:
- Visit the Immigration New Zealand website.
- Log in to your RealMe or Immigration ONLINE account.
- Navigate to your Dashboard, where your application status will be listed.
- Here, you will see updates such as:
- “Application Received”
- “Under Assessment”
- “Additional Information Required” (if applicable)
- “Approved” or “Declined”
This is the most efficient way to track your visa application and receive real-time updates.
b. Email Notification
If you’ve applied for a visa through the Immigration ONLINE system, you will receive automatic email notifications whenever there is a significant change in your application status, such as:
- Submission confirmation
- Request for additional documents or information
- Final visa decision (approval or denial)
These emails will come from Immigration New Zealand and include your application number for reference. Be sure to check your inbox (and your spam folder) regularly for any correspondence from INZ.
c. Contacting Immigration New Zealand by Phone
If you applied for a visa via paper submission or if you’re unable to access your online account, you can contact Immigration New Zealand’s helpline directly to check the status.
Phone numbers:
- Within New Zealand: 0508 558 855
- Outside New Zealand: +64 9 914 4100
When calling, be prepared to provide:
- Your full name
- Passport number
- Application reference number (if available)
- Date of birth
NEW ZEALAND VISA ELIGIBILITY TOOL The phone agents will give you the latest update on your visa status, but processing times can vary based on the type of visa you’ve applied for.
2. Common Visa Status Updates
While tracking your visa status, here are common status updates you may encounter:
- Submitted: The application has been successfully lodged.
- Received: Your application has been received by Immigration New Zealand and is under initial review.
- Under Assessment: An immigration officer is currently reviewing your application.
- Additional Information Required: You may need to provide further documentation or answer questions.
- Approved: Your visa application has been approved, and your visa will be sent electronically or via your passport (depending on the type).
- Declined: Unfortunately, your application has not been successful. The reasons will be communicated, and you may have an option to appeal.
3. How Long Does it Take to Process a New Zealand Visa?
Visa processing times can vary based on the type of visa you’re applying for. Below are general guidelines:
- Visitor Visas: 20-30 days
- Student Visas: 20-40 days
- Work Visas: 30-60 days
- Residence Visas: Several months depending on complexity
Delays may occur if:
- Additional information is requested.
- The application is incomplete.
- You applied during peak seasons.
Ensure that all required documents are submitted to avoid delays.
4. What to Do if There are Delays?
If your visa application is taking longer than expected, or if you haven’t received an update for a considerable amount of time, you can:
- Recheck Your Application: Ensure that no further documents or clarifications are pending. Often, delays are caused by incomplete applications.
- Contact Immigration New Zealand: Reach out through the phone numbers provided above. They may be able to give you an estimate on how much longer it will take or clarify why there is a delay.
- Consider Processing Timeframes: If your application is within the standard processing time, there may be no cause for concern, but you can still enquire if it’s past the expected time.
5. What Happens After Approval?
Once your visa is approved, you will receive an email notification or official correspondence from Immigration New Zealand. Depending on the type of visa:
- An eVisa will be sent to you, which you can print and carry during your travel.
- If you applied by paper and need a physical visa in your passport, you’ll receive it through postal mail.
Make sure to double-check all visa details (duration of stay, visa type, conditions) before making any travel arrangements.
Conclusion
Tracking the status of your New Zealand visa is simple and can be done through multiple platforms, including the online portal, email, and phone. By staying updated, you can ensure that your visa application is processed smoothly and that any potential issues are addressed quickly. Always keep your reference number handy, and stay in regular contact with Immigration New Zealand for any additional updates.