New Zealand Work Visa Processing Time for Indian Passport Holders in 2025

Are you applying for a New Zealand work visa? Then, you must know about the New Zealand work visa processing time.  The processing time is the time the embassy or consulate takes to decide on your application. New Zealand issues different types of work visas. Hence, the processing time for each work visa is different. This blog covers everything you need to know about the processing time for Indian nationals applying for a New Zealand work visa.

Factors Affecting the New Zealand Work Visa Processing Time

The work visa processing time can be impacted due to several reasons. Some of these reasons are provided below:

1. Incomplete application– One of the main reasons why a New Zealand work visa processing is delayed is the submission of an incomplete application. Therefore, ensure that all applications are properly completed.
2. Further verification– At times, visa application processing is delayed because further verification is required. That is if the applicant has not submitted sufficient documents. Generally, in these cases, additional documents are requested. 
3. Delay in document submission– If the consular office has asked you to submit certain documents and you do not submit them on time then the application processing can be delayed.
4. Number of applications submitted- When a lot of applications are submitted during a particular period there is a delay in processing.
5. Complexity of the application- For example, if the applicant has a history of medical issues.
6. Policy changes– In case, new policies are implemented that can affect visa processing, then a decision can take longer.
7. Seasonal fluctuations– During peak travel periods, the application processing can be slower. For example, between October to February, visitor visa applications can take longer.
8. Sponsor- if you have a sponsor, then the sponsor is required to fill out the application form. This can result in visa application delays.
9. AEWV applications based on a reused job token- For this specific case, the application processing will only start when your current AEWV expiry date is within the next 9 months.

How Long Does a Work Visa Take in New Zealand?

The processing time for all the work visas is not the same! Therefore, we have provided the New Zealand work visa processing time  for different work visas below:

Main Work Visas 

These are the main work visas that generally people apply for. These work visas have a huge number of applications:

Work Visa Type	Processing Time
Post-Study Work Visa	5 weeks
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)	10 weeks
Partner of a Worker Work Visa	8 weeks
Working Holiday Visa (not available to Indians)	5 weeks

Planning to Study in New Zealand in 2025? Key Changes to Post-Study Work Visa Rules

Other Work Visas 

Those who are eligible can apply for other work visas as well. The New Zealand work visa processing time  of these visas is provided below:

Work Visa	Processing Time (80% of the applications are processed within this time)
Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa	2 weeks
Domestic Staff of a Diplomat Work Visa	7 weeks
Crew joining a Ship or Plane Visitor Visa	4 weeks
Entertainers Work Visa	3 weeks
Fishing Crew Work Visa	1 week
Work Exchange Scheme Work Visa	5 weeks
Student and Trainee Work Visa	7 weeks
Religious Worker Work Visa	7 weeks
Victims of Family Violence Work Visa	High priority
Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa	7 weeks
Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work Visa	High priority
Specific Purpose Work Visa	6 weeks
Partner of Military Work Visa	7 weeks
Entrepreneur Work Visa	10 months
Partner of Military Work Visa	7 weeks

Learn about the New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa for Indians

Employer Accrediton, AEWV, & Job Checks Processing Time

The average processing time for an employer accreditation, job checks (before employing a person), and Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) are provided below. The processing time provided is as of 31st December 2024:

Particulars	Processing Time	Processing Time for 80% of the applications
AEWV (All roles)	2 weeks	10 weeks
Employer accreditations for AEWV	2 weeks	7 weeks
Renewal of accreditation	1.5 weeks	6 weeks
Job checks (All roles)	4.5 weeks	10 weeks

Note: The employer has to receive accreditation and job checks. Thereafter, they can hire foreigners for an AEWV visa.

Can the New Zealand Work Visa Processing Time Be Expedited?

Yes. In case of emergency, the New Zealand work visa processing time can be expedited. You need to send an email for the same. After the escalation request is submitted your application is taken into consideration. You must have any of the following reasons to get your visa processing done faster.

1. Compelling business circumstance
2. Compelling personal reason 
3. Matters of national interest 
4. Humanitarian reasons.

Tips for Quick New Zealand Work Visa Application Processing 

Your visa application process will be smooth if you follow the tips below. Thus, you can avoid delays, and your New Zealand work visa processing time will not exceed the given period.

1. Complete Visa Application Form – Many applicants do not complete the visa application form and submit it, This can cause processing delays. Therefore, it is advisable to submit your application by completing all the questions asked. 
2. Submit the necessary documents– Submit the documents required for the work visa you are applying for. Missing any documents can result in processing delays. It is also important to ensure that all documents are translated into English (if they are not already in this language)
3. Only Submit accurate information- Engaging in fraudulent activities is one of the main reasons for work visa rejection. Therefore, ensure that all the information you have provided is accurate.
4. Ensure your work provides you minimum salary- The job must provide you a minimum basic salary acceptable in New Zealand. 
5. Submit on time– Your work visa application must not be submitted at the last minute. Similarly, the visa application must not be submitted too early. 

Who can Sponsor a Work Visa in New Zealand?

A New Zealand work visa can be sponsored. However, the sponsor can only be any of the following:

1. A citizen of New Zealand 
2. A resident of New Zealand (if the resident visa has no section 49 criteria)
3. Refugees sponsoring a family member
4. A registered company in New Zealand. 
5. An organisation registered as a charitable trust or incorporated society

To learn about skilled and unskilled jobs in New Zealand, watch this video:

Is IELTS Required for New Zealand Work Visa?

Generally, to work in New Zealand you must be able to speak and understand the English language. Whether IELTS is a requirement or not depends on the work visa you are applying for. For example, a post-study work visa does not require the submission of proof of English langauge proficiency. On the other hand, if you are applying for an entrepreneur visa you will have to prove that you can speak English.

The proof can be either clearing an English language test like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE or proving that you have an English-speaking background. Proof that you are a competent user of English for other reasons are also acceptable.

Is New Zealand Working Visa Easy to Get?

The New Zealand work visa is easy to get if you meet the eligibility criteria, and work visa requirements, and submit a complete application. The applications are submitted through the immigration website of New Zealand. It will only take you 15 minutes to complete the application form.  Moreover, you will get your visas within the New Zealand work visa processing time.

The success rate for study-to-work visas is around 95.6%, horticulture and viticulture (seasonal work visas) is around 98.7%, and the work-to-residence visa approval rate is around  91.5%. In 2023, the country approved  115,008 visas for Indians. However, it must be noted that Indian nationals are the second highest rejected applications. The overall reflection rate is 28% for Indians. On the other hand, the rejection rate for Pakistanis is 71%..

Therefore, before applying ensure all requirements are met.

Is New Zealand PR difficult?

No. You can easily get the New Zealand PR if you meet the criteria for the same. The basic criteria that a principal applicant needs to fulfil to get a Permanent Residency are as follows:

• You must have stayed in New Zealand as a resident for at least 2 years
• Furthermore, you must have met all the conditions for a resident visa
• Must have shown commitment to the country in any of the 5 ways that meet the requirements. For example, committed to staying permanently in the county

What is the Age Limit for PR in New Zealand?

New Zealand has not specified an age limit to obtain a permanent residency. As long as you meet the residency requirements you will get a PR. For example, having good health, and having excellent command of the English langauge.

Although there is no age limit for a PR, an age limit may be applicable for specific work visas. For example, a working holiday visa.

Learn about the PR courses in New Zealand here 

FAQs

We hope you now understand what is the New Zealand work visa processing time. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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