How long does the Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa take to process?

As at 4 September 2026, Immigration New Zealand reports that 50% of recent Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa applications were completed within 8 days and 80% within 3 weeks. Individual applications can take longer, particularly if INZ requests further information.

Why is my Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa application taking longer than the published time?

The published figures are percentiles of recently decided applications, not a promise. Applications that are incomplete, need verification, or raise health, character or genuineness questions routinely exceed them. If your application is far outside the 80% figure, you can contact INZ or engage a licensed adviser or lawyer to follow up.

Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa processing time

As at 4 September 2026, 50% of recent Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa applications were processed within 8 days and 80% within 3 weeks, per Immigration New Zealand's published figures.

8 days

50% processed within

3 weeks

80% processed within

Trend

Daily captures of INZ's published figures, in calendar days.

50% of applications 80% of applications

About this visa

This visa allows your dependent children to visit you in New Zealand for up to 9 months. You must be a New Zealand citizen or resident.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa take to process?: As at 4 September 2026, Immigration New Zealand reports that 50% of recent Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa applications were completed within 8 days and 80% within 3 weeks. Individual applications can take longer, particularly if INZ requests further information.
Why is my Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa application taking longer than the published time?: The published figures are percentiles of recently decided applications, not a promise. Applications that are incomplete, need verification, or raise health, character or genuineness questions routinely exceed them. If your application is far outside the 80% figure, you can contact INZ or engage a licensed adviser or lawyer to follow up.

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Source: Immigration New Zealand's published processing-time figures. General information, not immigration advice.