SMC Application Prioritization and Processing
Mr Lu made this Official Information request to Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
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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
From: Ministerial Services
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
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
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1. mailto:[MBIE request email]
From: INZ OIAs
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
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
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