We don't know whether the most recent response to this request contains information or not – if you are Mr Lu please sign in and let everyone know.

SMC Application Prioritization and Processing

Mr Lu made this Official Information request to Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

This request has an unknown status. We're waiting for Mr Lu to read a recent response and update the status.

From: Mr Lu

Dear Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment,

I would like to request under the Official Information Request the following:

1. In accordance with the Immigration Act 2009 Section 26, and Operational Manual A16.1, it is understood that applicants meeting specific criteria are prioritized. I would like to seek clarification on whether this prioritization pertains to the entire application process or solely the allocation process.

2. Could you please provide information on whether there are varying levels of priority assigned to different visa groups, such as SMC, STR, or other residency visa groups?

3. Considering that Immigration Instruction A5.1 requires all visa applicants to be of good character, with character assessments involving third-party checks, including New Zealand Police certificates and/or a National Security Check (NSC), I am seeking clarification on whether these character assessments are considered an integral part of the application process. And also, could you please provide information on how character assessments impact the overall processing timeline?

4. INZ has been working with the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service to expedite NSCs for applications based on lodgment date. However, the prioritization process outlined in the Immigration Act 2009 and Operational Manual A16.1 suggests a different approach. I would like to inquire about the rationale behind expediting NSCs based on lodgment date instead of adhering to the prioritization guidelines set.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Lu

Link to this

From: Ministerial Services
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment


Attachment image001.jpg
7K Download


Ref: 2324-0286

 

Kia ora Mr Lu,

On behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment I
acknowledge your email of 9 August 2023 requesting under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following:

“1. In accordance with the Immigration Act 2009 Section 26, and
Operational Manual A16.1, it is understood that applicants meeting
specific criteria are prioritized. I would like to seek clarification on
whether this prioritization pertains to the entire application process or
solely the allocation process.

 

2. Could you please provide information on whether there are varying
levels of priority assigned to different visa groups, such as SMC, STR, or
other residency visa groups?

 

3. Considering that Immigration Instruction A5.1 requires all visa
applicants to be of good character, with character assessments involving
third-party checks, including New Zealand Police certificates and/or a
National Security Check (NSC), I am seeking clarification on whether these
character assessments are considered an integral part of the application
process. And also, could you please provide information on how character
assessments impact the overall processing timeline?

 

4. INZ has been working with the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service
to expedite NSCs for applications based on lodgment date. However, the
prioritization process outlined in the Immigration Act 2009 and
Operational Manual A16.1 suggests a different approach. I would like to
inquire about the rationale behind expediting NSCs based on lodgment date
instead of adhering to the prioritization guidelines set.”

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.

 

Nâku noa, nâ

Ministerial Services

 

Corporate Services, Finance & Enablement

Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

15 Stout Street, Wellington 6011 |  PO Box 1473 Wellington 6140

 

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[MBIE request email]

Link to this

From: INZ OIAs
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment


Attachment image001.png
18K Download

Attachment Final Response letter 8.pdf
212K Download View as HTML


 

Tēnā koe Mr Lu

 

Please see the attached response to your request for information under the
Official Information Act 1982

 

Nāku noa, nā

 

Emina

MINISTERIAL SERVICES

Immigration New Zealand

Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

15 Stout Street, PO BOX 1473, Wellington 6140

NZBN 9429000106078

 

[1]http://thelink/how/PublishingImages/MBIE...

 

References

Visible links

Link to this

We don't know whether the most recent response to this request contains information or not – if you are Mr Lu please sign in and let everyone know.

Things to do with this request

Anyone:
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment only: