How long does the Student and Trainee Work Visa take to process?

As at 4 September 2026, Immigration New Zealand reports that 50% of recent Student and Trainee 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 Student and Trainee 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.

Student and Trainee Work Visa processing time

As at 4 September 2026, 50% of recent Student and Trainee 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

This visa is for students or trainees wanting to get practical work experience in their field. This can include, but is not limited to, religious trainees, dental or medical trainees and apprentice jockeys.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Student and Trainee Work Visa take to process?: As at 4 September 2026, Immigration New Zealand reports that 50% of recent Student and Trainee 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 Student and Trainee 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.