DMS42-6-10761 
 
PO  Box  900,  Wellington  6140 
 
P +64 4 472 6170, F +64 4 472 8209 
www.nzsis.govt.nz 
 
 
 
 
21 March 2023 
 
D Bali 
[FYI request #21766 email] 
 
Tēnā koe, 
Official information request  
I write regarding your Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) request of 8 February 2023 to the 
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment regarding straight to residence (STR) visas. 
On 27 February 2023, your request was partially transferred to the New Zealand Security 
Intelligence Service (NZSIS) for response. 
What is the timeframe for STR third party checks? 
The NZSIS supports border security agencies to maintain the integrity of New Zealand’s 
border, and each year we conduct a significant number of National Security Checks (NSC). 
Immigration New Zealand (INZ), administers the visa application system, including the 
legislative framework under which NSCs are required. The NZSIS does not approve or 
decline visa applications, rather we provide assessments, on request, to help INZ make 
decisions. 
The processing time for individual NSCs varies across the year, for a number of reasons. The 
NZSIS conducts NSCs in response to INZ’s priorities, which are dynamic and change 
according to circumstances. 
However, for the purpose of national security, we do not disclose information about 
individuals going through the process, or information about the process itself. As such, I 
must refuse this request under section 6(a) of the OIA, as the making available of the 
information would be likely to prejudice the security or defence of New Zealand or the 
international relations of the Government of New Zealand. 
What is the actual number of staff working at NZSIS and how many are allocated to STR 
applications? 
As at February 2023, the NZSIS has 391.3 Full Time Equivalent staff.  I must refuse your 
request for the number of staff allocated to STR applications under section 6(a) of the OIA. 
The information you have requested would, if released, provide an insight into our 
capabilities and must therefore be kept confidential to protect our ability to carry out our 
national security roles and functions. 
Review 
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact 
[email address].   
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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.   
Ngā mihi 
 
 
Phil McKee 
Te Tumu Whakarae mō Te Pā Whakamarumaru 
Acting Director-General of Security 
 
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