If you are planning a trip to New Zealand for study, work or residency, there is an important update for you. Immigration New Zealand has just released the latest visa processing time, as of Thursday, September 11, 2025.
These figures give Pakistanis and other applicants a clear idea of how long their visa applications may take.
How Processing Times Are Calculated
Immigration New Zealand uses two benchmarks:
- Average wait time: How long it took to process half of all applications.
- Most completed within: The time it took for 80% of applications to be finalized.
- These times are measured in working days only, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Visitor Visa and NZeTA
For Pakistanis visiting New Zealand for holidays, business or family trips, the wait times are:
| Visa Type | Average Wait Time | Most Completed Within |
|---|---|---|
| NZeTA | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Visitor Visa | 1 week | 2 weeks |
| Partner of New Zealander Visitor Visa | 3.5 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Business Visitor Visa | 3 days | 1 week |
Work Visas
For those going to New Zealand for employment, the times differ by category:
| Visa Type | Average Wait Time | Most Completed Within |
|---|---|---|
| Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | 2 weeks | 5 weeks |
| Partner of Worker Work Visa | 3 weeks | 5 weeks |
| Post-Study Work Visa | 3 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Working Holiday Visa | 2 days | 2 weeks |
Employer Accreditation and Job Checks
Employers in New Zealand must be accredited before hiring overseas workers. Processing is generally quicker here:
| Visa/Product Type | Average Wait Time | Most Completed Within |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Accreditation (AEWV) | 2 days | 2 weeks |
| Accreditation Renewals | 3 days | 2.5 weeks |
| Job Checks (All Roles) | 3 days | 2 weeks |
| Job Checks (Green List Roles) | 2 days | 1 week |
Student Visas
Pakistani students applying to study in New Zealand should note:
| Education Provider | Average Wait Time | Most Completed Within |
|---|---|---|
| Te Pūkenga Institutes | 2.5 weeks | 5.5 weeks |
| Private Training Institutes | 3 weeks | 6 weeks |
| Schools | 2 weeks | 3.5 weeks |
| Universities | 2.5 weeks | 4.5 weeks |
READ MORE: Philippines Digital Nomad Visa: A New Gateway for Remote Workers
Resident Visas
For those planning long-term residency:
| Visa Type | Average Wait Time | Most Completed Within |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Resident Visa | 13 months | 18 months |
| Skilled Migrant Category Visa | 9 weeks | 3 months |
| Work to Residence Visa | 8 weeks | 10.5 weeks |
| Straight to Residence Visa | 9 weeks | 3.5 months |
| Permanent Resident Visa | 4 days | 2 weeks |
| Partner of New Zealander Resident Visa | 5 months | 8 months |
Tips to Speed Up the Process
- Apply early to avoid seasonal delays.
- Submit complete documents to prevent rejections.
- Use the Immigration Online portal for faster results.
- Double-check eligibility before applying.
For Pakistanis eyeing New Zealand, these updated visa times show the real picture. Short visas like NZeTA or working holiday visas are processed within days, but resident visas can stretch into months. The key is planning ahead and preparing the correct documents to avoid delays.
