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Indicative process timelines

These timelines show the published order of the steps in a New Zealand immigration process. They are a general guide to sequence, not a schedule for your own application. We do not publish processing-time estimates here: Immigration New Zealand publishes current processing times on its own website, and they change over time. Confirm current timing at immigration.govt.nz.

Skilled / residence pathway: process worksheet

  1. Step 1: Read the published rules for the category
    Preparation: at your own pace
  2. Step 2: Add up your own points with the self-check tool
    Preparation: at your own pace
  3. Step 3: Gather the documents on the published checklist
    Preparation: at your own pace
  4. Step 4: Arrange qualification or registration checks (if required)
    Time needed varies by assessing body
  5. Step 5: Get health and character documents (if required)
    Time needed varies by provider and your country of residence
  6. Step 6: Complete and submit the application
    A clear task once your evidence is ready
  7. Step 7: Immigration New Zealand assesses the application
    See the INZ published processing times
  8. Step 8: Receive the decision
    See the INZ published processing times

Open this as a worksheet you can save →

Employer-assisted work visa: process worksheet

  1. Step 1: Employer accreditation (an employer step)
    Done by the employer, before the visa application
  2. Step 2: Job check (an employer step)
    Done by the employer, before the visa application
  3. Step 3: Count the published checks with the self-check tool
    Preparation: at your own pace
  4. Step 4: Gather the applicant's documents
    Preparation: at your own pace
  5. Step 5: Submit the visa application
    A clear task once your evidence is ready
  6. Step 6: Receive the decision
    See the INZ published processing times

Open this as a worksheet you can save →