General information, not immigration advice. The figures are Immigration New Zealand's own percentiles for recently decided applications; individual applications can take longer.
About this visa
You can apply for this visa if you have an Essential Skills Work Visa and have been employed in the South Island for over 5 years. This visa provides a path to residence if you remain in the same industry and region.
Frequently asked questions
As at 16 October 2026, Immigration New Zealand reports that 50% of recent South Island Contribution Work Visa applications were completed within 3 weeks and 80% within 7 weeks. 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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