Immigration New Zealand will suspend overseas visa applications for three months
Immigration New Zealand announced on 31st July that they will suspend most types of temporary visas applications from offshore applicant within the next three months.
Due to the border closures, Immigration New Zealand have not been processing any offshore visa applications except for the applicants who have met the restrict exemption criteria. However, over the past few months, many offshore visa applicants continued to lodge visa applications expecting their applications to be processed.
According to the announcement, only a small group of offshore temporary visa applications are not affected
- relationship-based visas for partners and dependent children of New Zealand citizens and residents
- visas for diplomatic, consular and official staff and accompanying dependants
- Antarctic Traveller Visitor visas and Antarctic Work visas
- Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited visas.
Offshore student visa, general visitor visa and most work visa applications will not be processed until further announcement.
Those who have already submitted a temporary visa application but are living offshore, are encouraged to withdraw their application and request a refund.
Click on the link to find out how you will get a refund for your visa application fee.