How long does the Visitor Visa take to process?

As at 5 September 2026, Immigration New Zealand reports that 50% of recent Visitor Visa applications were completed within 7 days and 80% within 11 days. Individual applications can take longer, particularly if INZ requests further information.

Why is my Visitor 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.

Visitor Visa processing time

As at 5 September 2026, 50% of recent Visitor Visa applications were processed within 7 days and 80% within 11 days, per Immigration New Zealand's published figures.

7 days

50% processed within

11 days

80% processed within

Trend

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

50% of applications 80% of applications

About this visa

People travelling on a passport from some countries must apply for a Visitor Visa to visit New Zealand. You can stay for up to either 6 months or 9 months. You cannot work, but you can study for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Visitor Visa take to process?: As at 5 September 2026, Immigration New Zealand reports that 50% of recent Visitor Visa applications were completed within 7 days and 80% within 11 days. Individual applications can take longer, particularly if INZ requests further information.
Why is my Visitor 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.