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New Zealand Visa Processing Time: What Every Indian Traveller Should Know

Last Update: 14-08-2024

Mount Cook, New Zealand

Introduction

Starting your journey to New Zealand means first understanding the basics, especially the New Zealand visa processing time. Whether you're looking for a New Zealand visitor visa to enjoy an amazing vacation, a business visa for important meetings, or a work visa to start a new job in New Zealand, knowing how long your visa application will take is really important.


If you need help on how to apply or to visit New Zealand, this guide will make it simple. New Zealand is a place full of great experiences, and with the right planning, you can make sure your entry into the country is easy and hassle-free. 


From understanding visa requirements to tracking your visa status, we’ve got everything you need to make your trip to New Zealand smooth and straightforward on this page.

Table of Contents


  1. New Zealand Visa Processing Time for Indians
  2. New Zealand Visitor Visa Processing Time
  3. New Zealand Business Visa Processing Time
  4. New Zealand Work Visa Processing Time
  5. New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time
  6. New Zealand Family Visa Processing Time
  7. New Zealand Resident Visa Processing Time
  8. What is the Processing time of a New Zealand Transit Visa?
  9. How to Prevent Delays in New Zealand Visa Application?
  10. Final thought
  11. FAQs

New Zealand Visa Processing Time for Indians

New Zealand visa processing times for Indians generally range from around 2 weeks to a few months, depending on the type of visa you're applying for. 


Typically, a New Zealand tourist visa takes about 2 weeks, while more complex visas, such as work and resident visas, can take several months to process.


This comprehensive guide breaks down the processing times for each visa category, ensuring you're well-prepared and can plan your application process with confidence for a seamless experience in New Zealand.

New Zealand Visitor Visa Processing Time

The New Zealand visit visa processing time can take up to 2 weeks. A New Zealand Visitor Visa lets you travel to New Zealand to go on vacation, visit friends or family, or study for up to 3 months. You can stay for up to 6 months with a multiple-entry visa or 9 months with a single-entry visa. You can’t work, but you can study for a short time with a visitor visa. You can also include your partner and kids in your visa application.


Visa TypePurpose of VisaProcessing Time

New Zealand Visitor Visa

Lets you travel to New Zealand to go on vacation, visit friends or family, or study for up to 3 months.

2 weeks

New Zealand Business Visa Processing Time

The New Zealand business visa processing time can take up to 2 weeks. A New Zealand Business Visa allows you to visit for business activities like meetings and conferences for up to 3 months in one year. It does not permit work or running a business in New Zealand.


Visa TypePurpose of VisaProcessing Time

New Zealand Business Visa

Attend meetings and conferences for up to 3 months in one year.

2 weeks

New Zealand Work Visa Processing Time

A New Zealand work visa processing time can take up to 3 weeks to a few months depending on the type of work visa you’re applying for.


A New Zealand Work Visa lets you work in New Zealand for a specific job or employer, typically for up to three years. In order to apply for a New Zealand work visa you need to have  a job offer from a New Zealand employer and may include conditions like the type of work and location. There are various types of work visas based on job skills, duration, and other criteria.

Visa TypePurpose of VisaProcessing Time

New Zealand Work Visa

Skilled migrant category resident visa

4 months

Post study work visa

6 weeks

Work to residence visa

3 months

Partner of a student work visa

9 weeks

Partner of New Zealander work visa

11 weeks

Student and Trainee work visa

7 weeks

Specific purpose work visa

3 weeks

New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time

A New Zealand study visa processing time can take up to 2 to 6 weeks depending on the type of study visa you’re applying for. A New Zealand student visa allows Indian nationals to study full-time in New Zealand. There are various types of student visas depending on the type and duration of study.


Visa TypePurpose of VisaProcessing Time

New Zealand Study Visa

Fee paying student visa

6 weeks

Exchange student visa

2 weeks

Foreign government supported student visa

4 weeks

Pathway student visa

6 weeks

New Zealand Family Visa Processing Time

The processing time of a New Zealand family visa ranges from a few weeks to 27 months depending on the types of visa you’re applying for. New Zealand family visas allow people to bring or join family members in New Zealand.


New Zealand family visas cover partners, dependent children, and parents, providing options for residency, work, or temporary visits. Eligibility varies based on the relationship and situation, and some visas require sponsorship from a New Zealand citizen or resident. These visas are designed to help families stay together while living in or visiting New Zealand.

Visa TypePurpose of VisaProcessing Time

New Zealand Family Visa

Partner of a New Zealander resident visa

8 months

Child of a worker visitor visa

9 weeks

Parent retirement resident visa

27 months

Guardian of a student visitor visa

7 weeks

Parent resident visa

8 months

Dependent child resident visa

9 months

New Zealand Resident Visa Processing Time

A New Zealand resident visa processing time ranges from 1 week to 8 months.


New Zealand Resident VisaStraight to residence visa4 months

Permanent resident visa

1 week

Work to residence visa

3 months

Parent resident visa

8 months

What is the Processing time of a New Zealand Transit Visa?

A New Zealand transit visa takes around 2 weeks to be processed. Indian citizens passing through New Zealand need to get a transit visa. This visa allows them to stay in New Zealand for up to 24 hours while waiting for their next flight.

Note:

Indians travelling to Australia can transit through New Zealand without needing a transit visa.

How to Prevent Delays in New Zealand Visa Application?


To prevent delays in your New Zealand visa application, you can follow these steps:

  • Submit your application well in advance of your planned travel date.
  • Ensure all necessary documents are complete and accurate.
  • Double-check that your application form is fully and correctly filled out.
  • Respond promptly if Immigration New Zealand requests additional information.
  • Make sure you apply for the correct type of visa.

By following these steps, you can help ensure a smoother visa application process.

Final thought

When planning to travel to New Zealand, understanding the visa processing time is crucial. If you are applying for a New Zealand visitor visa, New Zealand work visa, or a New Zealand family visa, knowing how much time your visa application might take helps in avoiding any last-minute surprises.


To enter New Zealand, you must ensure that you have submitted all the required documents like proof of accommodation, proof of funds correctly. If you have any concerns, you can track New Zealand visa status easily through the government portal.

FAQs

What is the processing time for a New Zealand visa for Indian passport holders?

The processing time for a New Zealand visa for Indians varies depending on the type of visa. A New Zealand visitor visa typically takes around 2 weeks, while more complex visas, such as work or resident visas, can take several months to process.

What is the processing time for a New Zealand student visa?

The processing time for a New Zealand student visa for Indian nationals can range from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the type of study visa you are applying for.

How long does it take to process a New Zealand business visa?

A New Zealand business visa generally takes around 2 weeks to process, allowing Indian nationals to visit New Zealand for business purposes, such as attending meetings and conferences.

What is the processing time for a New Zealand work visa?

The processing time for a New Zealand work visa can take 3 weeks to several months, depending on the category you have applied for. For example, a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa may take up to 4 months, while a Specific Purpose Work Visa might be processed within 3 weeks.

How long does it take to process a New Zealand family visa?

The processing time for a New Zealand family visa can range from a few weeks to 27 months, depending on the type of family visa. For instance, a Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa may take up to 8 months, while a Parent Retirement Resident Visa could take up to 27 months.

Why is my New Zealand visa delayed?

Your New Zealand visa can be delayed due to several reasons, including the type of visa, completeness of the application, volume of applications at the time of submission, and whether additional information or documents are requested by Immigration New Zealand.

Can I expedite the processing time for my New Zealand visa?

While there is no official process to expedite a New Zealand visa, submitting a complete and accurate application well in advance of your intended travel date can help prevent delays. It's also important to respond promptly to any requests for additional information from Immigration New Zealand.

What should I do if my New Zealand visa application is taking longer than expected?

If your New Zealand visa application is taking longer than expected, you can check its status online using the RealMe account or the Immigration New Zealand portal. If there are significant delays, you may consider contacting Immigration New Zealand for further assistance.

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