B. D. Rekha
[FYI request #18448 email]
Ref: DOIA 2122-1553
Dear B. D. Rekha,
Thank you for your email of 4 February 2022 requesting under the Official Information Act 1982 (the OIA),
the following information:
“1. What information can be provided on third party verification or SAT? why is it considered as
Nation security when we question about our own applications and triggering factors?
2. As of today, which date's application (RV2021) is at the front of the queue (to be allocated to
an officer in the SAT)
3. Are the applications cherry picked when assigned to an officer in SAT, or does it go date wise?
4. Where is my application sitting in the queue?
5. How long will it take for my application to be picked by SAT officer? on a average how long
will it take to process the application and sent back to the case officer
6. How many officers have been allocated to complete the SAT assessments for RV 2021 inflow?
7. can you please provide us with a contact for SAT team?”
Our Response Question One:
“What information can be provided on third party verification or SAT? why is it considered
as Nation security when we question about our own applications and triggering factors”
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) set up the Immigration Profiling Branch which is now known as the
Specialist Assessment Team (SAT) in July 2005 to ensure there is a consistent approach to handling complex
visa applications. In some cases, visa applications may be referred to the SAT for further verification. When
checks are completed the applications are sent back to the original processing office to finalise their
assessment, and make a decision on the application.
Question Two:
“As of today, which date's application (RV2021) is at the front of the queue (to be allocated
to an officer in the SAT)”
All applications have been allocated to a SAT Immigration Officer and are under assessment. There are none
waiting to be allocated.
Question Three:
“Are the applications cherry picked when assigned to an officer in SAT, or does it go date
wise?”
All applications are allocated by date received.
Question Four: “
Where is my application sitting in the queue?”
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As you are aware, your application has been returned to the original processing office and is now decided
and completed.
Question Five: “
How long will it take for my application to be picked by SAT officer? on a average how long
will it take to process the application and sent back to the case officer”
As stated above, your application has been returned to the original processing office and is now decided
and completed.
Question Six:
“How many officers have been allocated to complete the SAT assessments for RV 2021
inflow?”
The SAT assesses multiple visa application types and Immigration Officers in this team assess various
application types. In SAT, there are five Immigration Officers who assess Residence 2021 Visa applications
in addition to the other visa application types.
Question Seven:
“can you please provide us with a contact for SAT team?”
The Immigration Manager for SAT is Jonathan Maitland, whose email address is
[email address]. All queries relating to the status of a visa application should be directed
to the Immigration Contact Centre. Details of how to contact INZ can be found at the link below:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/contact If you have concerns or feedback about the process or service you have received, you may wish to refer to
the Complaint and Feedback Process:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/contact/complaints/complaint-about-inz If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, please contact Immigration New Zealand
at [email address]. Yours sincerely,
Nicola Hogg
General Manager - Border and Visa Operations
Immigration New Zealand
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
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