Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has received a huge volume of applications since the borders re-opened in July 2022 leading to delays in visa processing. INZ is taking steps to rectify this problem.
The requirement for most applicants to submit physical passports has been removed temporarily. Applicants are instead required to provide a high-quality scanned copy of their passport along with their application.
Despite the above, in some cases, an Immigration officer may request an applicant to submit the physical passport to their nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) since it is required to process the application. This will be on a case-to-case basis.
INZ will monitor the effects of this change to ensure that this does not affect application processing and to see if this can be continued in the future.
Those applying for a group visitor visa or student visa through the Immigration Online platform will receive an automated letter requesting passport submission. However, this is currently not required and INZ is working on updating the letter to resolve this issue.
Get in touch with Immigration Advisors New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required procedures, contact us at [email protected] or call on +64 09 3790219.
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.