12 October 2022
Uma Tatikonda
[FYI request #20460 email]
Ref: DOIA 2223-0445
Dear Uma,
Thank you for your email of 4 September 2022 requesting under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act),
the following information:
I would like to request some information regarding the culturally arranged marriage
visa application:
1. I would like to request INZ to publish culturally arranged marriage application
statistics similar to the visitor visa statistics. Likewise, 50% of applications
completed within:75% of applications completed within:90% of applications
completed within. There is no reason why immigration hides this data when CAM
application belongs to the visitor visa category. If INZ can not do this, I would like
to know the reasoning behind the decision, please.
2. What is the average time a CAM application is handed to a case officer?
3. What is the average time a visitor visa application is handed to a case officer?
4. If there is a massive discrepancy between question 2 and question 3, what are
the reasons behind this policy?
5. What is the earliest time frame a CAM application is approved based on the last
six months statistics?
6. On what grounds, a future partner can not apply for a visitor visa?
Our Response
Please find below responses to your individual questions outlined above.
Response one:
The statistics for Culturally Arranged Marriage (CAM) visitor visas are included in the statistics for
family temporary visas and can be found on our website:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/waiting-for-a-visa/how-long-it-takes-to-process-
your-visa-application
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CAM visitor visas are included in the family temporary visa category, and the data is published on our
website. If you put in the CAM visitor visa category in the Fees, decision times and where to apply
interactive tool
: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-
information/tools/office-and-fees-finder you can get the processing time for 90 per cent of
applications for that category. This tool can be used for other visa categories as well.
Response two and three:
We are unable to report on timeframe for allocation. To determine timeframe for allocation would
require us to manually check each application. This would take a substantial amount of time to
ascertain. This part of your request is refused under section 18 (f) of the Act as the information
requested cannot be made available without substantial collation or research. I have considered
whether the Ministry would be able to respond to your request given extra time or the ability to
charge for the information requested. I have concluded that, in both cases, the Ministry’s ability to
undertake its work would still be prejudiced.
As at 5 October 2022 the oldest unallocated CAM visitor visa application was lodged on 1 August 2022.
Response four:
There is no major discrepancy between partnership-based visitor visa applications and CAM visitor visa
– both application types are processed in the order they have been received.
Response five:
The fastest time to process a CAM visitor visa application that resulted in approval between 1 April
2022 and 27 September 2022 was eight days.
Response six:
While there are very few limitations on who may apply for a visa, a person’s eligibility to be granted a
visa will vary depending on the visa category they are applying under. The requirements for being
granted a CAM visitor visa differ to the requirements under Partnership or other visitor visa
instructions, and each application is assessed on its own merits.
When determining the eligibility of the New Zealand partner to support a partnership-based visitor
visa/CAM application, immigration officers will consider whether the New Zealand partner will be
eligible to support a partnership-based residence class visa application (within 12 months of the grant
of the visa, in the case of a partnership-based visitor visa). This includes whether the New Zealand
partner has acted as a partner in previous successful residence class visa applications.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information
about how to make a complaint is available
at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
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
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
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