After you apply, what to expect

Last reviewed 2026-06-24

This lesson describes, in general terms, what the published process involves after an application is submitted. It restates publicly available information. It is not advice about your own application and it does not predict an outcome. Confirm current detail at immigration.govt.nz.

Assessment and requests for information

Once an application is submitted, Immigration New Zealand assesses it against its published criteria. The published process allows Immigration New Zealand to ask for further information or documents. Responding to those requests accurately and on time is part of the published process.

Processing times

Immigration New Zealand publishes current, indicative processing times on its own website, and they vary by category and change over time. For that reason this course and the timelines page do not estimate how long a decision takes. The official processing-time page is the place to check the current position.

The decision

Immigration New Zealand notifies the outcome of the application. Only Immigration New Zealand makes that decision. This service plays no part in it, and a positive or negative self-check tally in this site has no bearing on the official decision.

If you need help with your own case

If at any point you want help with your own application, or you receive a request you are unsure how to answer, a Licensed Immigration Adviser or a New Zealand lawyer can advise on your specific circumstances. The adviser directory in this site can help you find one, and you can verify any adviser’s licence on the official register.