INZ COVID-19 Update

28 April 2020
INZ operations under Alert Level 3

A limited number of staff will re-enter the National Documentation Office of INZ. When other onshore visa offices do reopen, staff numbers will be limited due to strict guidelines under Alert Level 3. Some staff are currently working remotely, however the ability to process visa applications is significantly reduced. INZ is working to increase their remote processing capacity so that those who can work from home can do so.

While they are now able to safely collect some paper applications from our National Application Document Office, all processing remains focused on visa categories that have been prioritised. INZ is also planning for what operating in Alert Level 2 will look like, including planning for more staff to be able to return to the office under Alert Level 2 which will enable them to commence processing some paper-based applications. INZ will still be subject to strict guidelines at Alert Level 2.

All offshore offices remain closed. They do not know when they will be able to reopen their offshore offices but are continually reviewing local market conditions to determine when they might be able to reopen. In some countries where there are high rates of COVID-19 this could take a while.

Visa Processing

INZ are continuing to process urgent COVID-19 related applications including applications from individuals who have a critical purpose for coming to New Zealand.

On top of COVID-19 related applications, INZ is still prioritising the categories that were previously posted in their last update.

These are applications that can be done remotely without unforeseen difficulties and where the applicant’s eligibility is unlikely to have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. INZ is not currently processing any applications from people who are offshore unless they meet the strict criteria to be granted an exception to the border closure. INZ is not currently processing any paper applications from people onshore but this will change over the coming weeks as staff are able to re-enter offices.

INZ are reviewing their processing priorities regularly, in line with any decisions announced by the Government and we will keep you updated.

Migrant Hardships

INZ understands that many migrants may have lost their job or had their hours of work and/or wages reduced as a result of COVID-19 and New Zealand’s Alert level system, which means they are not meeting their visa requirements. INZ advises that they will be taking a reasonable approach to individuals in this situation and we will not be focusing our compliance activity on these individuals in the first instance. INZ will also take into account any impacts on an individual’s employment history as a result of COVID-19 during the assessment of any future applications and decisions will be made on a case by case basis based on their individual circumstances.