Ref: 2223-2065

 

Dear Muhammad

 

On behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment I
acknowledge your email of 14 March 2023 requesting under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following:

 

Under the OIA, I would like to ask for the current processing time of
skilled migrant category (SMC) visas? This information is not available
publicly or either not updated frequently.

 

1- Why the processing time of SMC applications is not updated
weekly/monthly like RV21?

2- It would be great to see the current processing time of SMC
applications, so migrants can make an informed decision whether to apply
for SMC or not?

It would also help the migrants in making relocation decisions to New
Zealand. Many migrants applied when the INZ website showed a processing
time of only 12 months and now they are waiting for more than 3 years for
a decision. Why are those SMC applicants treated differently and unfairly?

3- How many SMC applications are currently in process that were logged
before March 2020? Please divide the number into onshore or offshore
applications, if possible.

4- When these pending SMC applications (logged before March 2020) will be
decided? Any estimation?

5- What steps have been taken to accommodate those SMC applicants who are
in limbo for a very long time? How INZ is planning to avoid such a backlog
in the future?

 

Your request is being processed in accordance with the Act and a response
will be sent to you in due course.

 

If you have any enquiries regarding your request feel free to contact us
via email [1][MBIE request email] or using the contact details below.

 

Nāku noa, nā

MINISTERIAL SERVICES

 

Ngā Pou o te Taumaru

Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

15 Stout Street, Wellington 6011 |  P O Box 1473 Wellington 6140

 

References

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1. mailto:[MBIE request email]

Kia ora Muhammad,

 

Please find attached the response to your Official Information Act
request.

 

Ngā Mihi,

Madeleine

 

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TEAM

Immigration New Zealand

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

15 Stout Street, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140

NZBN 9429000106078

[1]457667B6

 

 

References

Visible links