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Religious Worker Resident Visa processing time

As at 16 October 2026, 50% of recent Religious Worker Resident Visa applications were processed within 4.5 months and 80% within 6 months, per Immigration New Zealand's published figures.

Figures as at 16 October 2026, captured daily.

Trend

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

50% within4.5 months122 days on 16 Oct, 84 on 29 Jun
80% within6 months154 days on 16 Oct, 99 on 29 Jun
Longest 80% in the period280 daysfirst on 14 Jul, last on 3 Sep
As at16 Oct2026, 105 daily captures

Tap or drag across the chart to read a day.

Captured50% within80% within
3 July 202684 days99 days
10 July 202684 days99 days
17 July 202691 days280 days
24 July 202691 days280 days
31 July 202691 days280 days
7 August 202673 days81 days
14 August 202691 days280 days
21 August 202691 days280 days
28 August 202691 days280 days
4 September 2026122 days183 days
11 September 2026122 days183 days
18 September 2026122 days183 days
25 September 2026122 days183 days
2 October 2026122 days183 days
9 October 2026122 days154 days
16 October 2026122 days154 days

Captured daily from 29 June 2026 to 16 October 2026. No capture on 5 days in the period.

About this visa

You can apply for residence if you have had a Religious Worker Work Visa for 3 years. You must have an offer of ongoing work and sponsorship from your religious organisation.

Frequently asked questions

As at 16 October 2026, Immigration New Zealand reports that 50% of recent Religious Worker Resident Visa applications were completed within 4.5 months and 80% within 6 months. Individual applications can take longer, particularly if INZ requests further information.

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 immigration adviser or immigration lawyer to follow up.

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Sources

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