Processing timeframes for Border Exceptions

In the current global environment it appears that New Zealand can expect to have border restrictions in place for some time.

In order to balance the need for quick decisions with staff welfare considerations,
INZ will be changing the processing timeframe for border exception requests to 5 working days from the current 2.

Current processing times largely depend on the type of request, with an average processing time of

• 2 days for requests under the “family of a New Zealand citizen or resident” and “family of a temporary visa holder” and
• 3 days for requests under the “humanitarian” category.
• “Ordinarily resident” exception requests, which are more complex, take longer.