How long does the Republic of Korea Special Work Visa take to process?

As at 4 September 2026, Immigration New Zealand reports that 50% of recent Republic of Korea Special Work Visa applications were completed within 3 weeks and 80% within 7 weeks. Individual applications can take longer, particularly if INZ requests further information.

Why is my Republic of Korea Special Work 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.

Republic of Korea Special Work Visa processing time

As at 4 September 2026, 50% of recent Republic of Korea Special Work Visa applications were processed within 3 weeks and 80% within 7 weeks, per Immigration New Zealand's published figures.

3 weeks

50% processed within

7 weeks

80% processed within

Trend

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

50% of applications 80% of applications

About this visa

You can apply for this visa if you are a citizen of the Republic of Korea and qualified to work in a Republic of Korea Special Work occupation.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Republic of Korea Special Work Visa take to process?: As at 4 September 2026, Immigration New Zealand reports that 50% of recent Republic of Korea Special Work Visa applications were completed within 3 weeks and 80% within 7 weeks. Individual applications can take longer, particularly if INZ requests further information.
Why is my Republic of Korea Special Work 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.