Straight to Residence Visa processing time
As at 22 July 2026, 50% of recent Straight to Residence Visa applications were processed within 9 weeks and 80% within 4 months, per Immigration New Zealand's published figures.
9 weeks
50% processed within
4 months
80% processed within
Trend
Daily captures of INZ's published figures, in calendar days.
About this visa
Apply for this visa if you have a job or job offer with an accredited employer, and your job is on Tier 1 of the Green List of in-demand jobs.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the Straight to Residence Visa take to process?
- As at 22 July 2026, Immigration New Zealand reports that 50% of recent Straight to Residence Visa applications were completed within 9 weeks and 80% within 4 months. Individual applications can take longer, particularly if INZ requests further information.
- Why is my Straight to Residence 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.
Application stuck or complicated?
A licensed adviser or lawyer can review where it is at. Send one enquiry and we will connect you with a licensed professional.
Other residence visas
- Dependent Child Resident Visa
- Global Impact Permanent Residence Visa
- Pacific Access Category Resident Visa
- Parent Resident Visa
- Parent Retirement Resident Visa
- Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
Source: Immigration New Zealand's published processing-time figures. General information, not immigration advice.