10 January 2022
Gaoyang Li
[FYI request #21216 email]
File No: DOIA 2223-1109
Dear Gaoyang
Thank you for your email of 24 November 2022 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
(MBIE) requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following information:
1. What is the usual timeframe of external check for a student visa?
2.
What is the 95% percentile and 98% percentile of the processing time of the visa application by a student
enrolled in a tertiary institute?
On 28 November 2022 date you clarified your request to the following:
1. What is the usual timeframe of a National Security Check for a student visa.
2. What is the average processing timeframe of 95% and 98% of full fee paying student visa applications?
Our response
What is the usual timeframe of a National Security Check for a student visa?
Part of the character assessment on a visa application can include a National Security Check (NSC). If it is
determined that a NSC is required, the relevant information is gathered and referred to the appropriate
government agency, the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS), for processing. The time it
takes to complete a national security check varies depending on the applicant and their
circumstances. Due to this there is no usual timeframe for a National Security check.
What is the average processing timeframe of 95% and 98% of full fee paying student visa applications?
The current processing timeframe for 95% of all full fee-paying student visa applications is 63 weekdays
days; and 71 weekdays for 98% of all full fee-paying student visa applications. This information is based on
data from 1 August 2022 to 30 November 2022, which is since the border was re- opened in August 2022.
For further information on timeframe please visi
t https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assist-migrants-and-
students/assist-students/international-markets/visa-processing-times-international-students
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of the Ministry’s response to
your request, in accordance with section 28(3) of the Act. Information about how to make a complaint is
available a
t www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, please conta
ct [email address] Yours sincerely
Sarah Clifford
Acting General Manager, Border and Visa Operations
Immigration New Zealand
