5 July 2022
Holly Barlow
[FYI request #19455 email]
Ref: DOIA 2122-2224
Dear Holly,
Thank you for your email of 25 May 2022 requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the
following information:
Can I please request information on the total number of offshore general visitor visa applications
(not critical purpose visitor visas) that are in the queue awaiting allocation.
On 31 May 2022 we sent you an email to clarify your request as visitor visa processing only re-opened
to applicants in the Pacific Forum countries on 16 May 2022. On 7 June 2022, we sent a follow up
email to which you responded on the same day, clarifying your request to:
The total number of offshore general visitor visa applications (not critical purpose visitor visas)
that are in the queue awaiting allocation, submitted since 16 August 2020.
Our Response
As at 9 June 2022, there have been a total of 947 General Visitor Visa applications lodged from offshore
since 16 August 2020.
Of this number, a total of 413 General Visitor Visa applications are awaiting allocation to an Immigration
officer for processing.
The remainder of the General Visitor Visa applications are to be refunded as they are to be lapsed or
returned as they cannot be processed. Further information in regards to this cohort can be found on the
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website:
www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19/border-closures-and-exceptions/refunds-for-visa-
applications-that-cannot-be-processed If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, or if you require any further assistance,
please contac
t [email address]
Yours sincerely,
Nicola Hogg
General Manager, Border and Visa Operations
Immigration New Zealand
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