Changes in the Order of Processing Visa Applications by INZ

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has issued Immigration Amendment Circular (IAC) 2023-01. This amendment includes changes to the General Instructions for the order of processing visa applications by INZ, which prioritises 2021 Resident Visa families and Green List medical professionals.

The New Zealand immigration institutions have recently been amended to obtain a better structure of residence-class visa application types. As a result, priority processing will be accorded within each group based on specific visa categories.

A general statement has also been added to read alongside any immigration instructions specifically addressing the order or manner of processing visa applications. Furthermore, several Residence class visa categories that INZ added while COVID-19 border restrictions were in effect have been removed.

For 2021 Resident Visa applications, priority will be given if the principal applicant is a medical professional, has a job offer, is employed in an occupation on the Green List (Appendix 13), or has dependent family members outside New Zealand. Additionally, the 2021 Resident Visa queuing provisions are no longer needed, and all references to median wage amounts have been revised to reflect the current median wage ($27.76).

This change was effective on and after 22 December 2022.

For further information on 2021 Resident Visa applications and Green List medical professionals, please see the 2021 Resident Visa Amendment Circular 2021-02.

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