NZ processing-time changes: September 25, 2026
GovWait compared 244 INZ records from August 23, 2026 through September 1, 2026 with the official values dated September 25, 2026. Of 244 routes with a published value at both checks, 244 changed and 0 stayed at the same published value.
This URL preserves the comparison dated September 25, 2026. Later refreshes create new issues instead of rewriting this one. Subscribe to the GovWait reports RSS feed for newly detected changes.
Largest increases
“Longer” means the agency’s newer published value increased; it does not mean every individual application slowed by that amount.
| Route | August 23, 2026 through September 1, 2026 | September 25, 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa | 11 working days | 39 working days | Longer 254.5% |
| Partner of a Student Visitor Visa | 14 working days | 38 working days | Longer 171.4% |
| Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa | 14 working days | 38 working days | Longer 171.4% |
| Partner of Military Visitor Visa | 14 working days | 38 working days | Longer 171.4% |
| Entertainers Work Visa | 4 working days | 9 working days | Longer 125% |
| Fishing Crew Work Visa | 51 working days | 107 working days | Longer 109.8% |
| Argentina Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Austria Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Belgium Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Brazil Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Business Visitor Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Canada Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Chile Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| China Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Croatia Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
Largest decreases
“Shorter” means the newer official value fell. It remains a planning statistic, not a deadline or a promise for a particular case.
| Route | August 23, 2026 through September 1, 2026 | September 25, 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victims of Family Violence Work Visa | 51 working days | 17 working days | Shorter 66.7% |
| Victims of Family Violence Work Visa | 21 working days | 9 working days | Shorter 57.1% |
| Second or Subsequent Resident Visa | 58 working days | 29 working days | Shorter 50% |
| Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa | 4 working days | 2 working days | Shorter 50% |
| China Skilled Workers Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| China Special Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Domestic Staff of a Diplomat Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Global Impact Permanent Residence Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Indonesia Special Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Japanese Interpreters Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Partner of Military Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Philippines Special Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Primary Sector Trainees Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Republic of Korea Special Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| South Island Contribution Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
Where changes were concentrated
| Service | Changed routes | Longer | Shorter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Accredited Employer Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Active Investor Plus Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Adoption Pre-citizenship Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Adoption Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Antarctic Traveller Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Argentina Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Arts and Music Festival Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Austria Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Belgium Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Brazil Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Canada Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Child of a Student Visitor Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Child of a Worker Visitor Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Child of Military Visitor Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Chile Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| China Skilled Workers Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| China Special Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| China Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Crew joining a Ship or Plane Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Croatia Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Czech Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Denmark Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Dependent Child Resident Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Dependent Child Student Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Dismissed Worker Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Domestic Staff of a Diplomat Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Entertainers Work Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Entrepreneur Work Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Escort of Medical Patients Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Estonia Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Finland Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Foreign Government Supported Student Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| France Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| German Law Student Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Germany Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Global Impact Permanent Residence Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Group Visitor Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Guardian Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Hong Kong SAR Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Hungary Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Indonesia Special Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Ireland Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Israel Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Italy Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Japan Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Japanese Interpreters Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Korea Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Latvia Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Lithuania Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Luxembourg Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Malaysia Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Malta Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Medical Treatment Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Mexico Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Netherlands Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Norway Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Occupational Registration Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Pacific Access Category Resident Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Parent Resident Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Parent Retirement Resident Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Partner of a Student Visitor Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Partner of a Student Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Partner of a Worker Work Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Partner of an NZ Scholarship Student Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Partner of Military Visitor Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Partner of Military Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Peru Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Philippines Special Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Philippines Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Pitcairn Islander Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Poland Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Portugal Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Primary Sector Trainees Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Private Yacht or Plane Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Refugee Claimant Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Religious Worker Resident Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Religious Worker Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Republic of Korea Special Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Samoan Quota Resident Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Singapore Work Exchange Programme Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Slovakia Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Slovenia Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| South Island Contribution Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Spain Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Specific Purpose Work Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Sports Events Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Straight to Residence Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Student and Trainee Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Super Yachts Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Sweden Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Taiwan Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Thai Chefs Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Thailand Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Tour Escort Visitor Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Transit Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Turkey Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| United Kingdom Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Uruguay Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| USA Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Victims of Family Violence Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Vietnam Special Work Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Vietnam Working Holiday Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Visiting Media Visitor Visa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Vocational Trainee Student Visa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Work to Residence Visa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Business Visitor Visa | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| English Language Student Visa | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Exchange Student Visa | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Fee Paying Student Visa | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Fishing Crew Work Visa | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Pathway Student Visa | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Second or Subsequent Resident Visa | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Victims of Family Violence Resident Visa | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Work Exchange Scheme Work Visa | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Complete list of changed published values
The table below contains all 244 numeric changes in this issue, not only the largest movements.
| Route | Previous | Current | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa | 11 working days | 39 working days | Longer 254.5% |
| Partner of a Student Visitor Visa | 14 working days | 38 working days | Longer 171.4% |
| Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa | 14 working days | 38 working days | Longer 171.4% |
| Partner of Military Visitor Visa | 14 working days | 38 working days | Longer 171.4% |
| Entertainers Work Visa | 4 working days | 9 working days | Longer 125% |
| Fishing Crew Work Visa | 51 working days | 107 working days | Longer 109.8% |
| Argentina Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Austria Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Belgium Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Brazil Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Business Visitor Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Canada Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Chile Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| China Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Croatia Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Czech Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Denmark Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Estonia Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Finland Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| France Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Germany Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Hong Kong SAR Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Hungary Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Ireland Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Israel Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Italy Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Japan Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Korea Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Latvia Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Lithuania Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Luxembourg Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Malaysia Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Malta Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Mexico Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Netherlands Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Norway Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Peru Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Philippines Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Poland Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Portugal Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Singapore Work Exchange Programme Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Slovakia Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Slovenia Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Spain Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Sweden Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Taiwan Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Thailand Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Transit Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Turkey Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| United Kingdom Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Uruguay Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| USA Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Vietnam Working Holiday Visa | 4 working days | 7 working days | Longer 75% |
| Victims of Family Violence Work Visa | 51 working days | 17 working days | Shorter 66.7% |
| Child of a Student Visitor Visa | 21 working days | 35 working days | Longer 66.7% |
| Child of a Worker Visitor Visa | 21 working days | 35 working days | Longer 66.7% |
| Child of Military Visitor Visa | 21 working days | 35 working days | Longer 66.7% |
| Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa | 10 working days | 16 working days | Longer 60% |
| Victims of Family Violence Work Visa | 21 working days | 9 working days | Shorter 57.1% |
| Second or Subsequent Resident Visa | 58 working days | 29 working days | Shorter 50% |
| Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa | 4 working days | 2 working days | Shorter 50% |
| Transit Visa | 2 working days | 3 working days | Longer 50% |
| Active Investor Plus Visa | 71 working days | 106 working days | Longer 49.3% |
| Partner of a Student Visitor Visa | 50 working days | 73 working days | Longer 46% |
| Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa | 50 working days | 73 working days | Longer 46% |
| Partner of Military Visitor Visa | 50 working days | 73 working days | Longer 46% |
| Dependent Child Student Visa | 22 working days | 32 working days | Longer 45.5% |
| China Skilled Workers Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| China Special Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Domestic Staff of a Diplomat Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Global Impact Permanent Residence Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Indonesia Special Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Japanese Interpreters Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Partner of Military Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Philippines Special Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Primary Sector Trainees Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Republic of Korea Special Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| South Island Contribution Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Student and Trainee Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Thai Chefs Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Vietnam Special Work Visa | 39 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 43.6% |
| Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa | 36 working days | 51 working days | Longer 41.7% |
| Child of a Student Visitor Visa | 51 working days | 72 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Child of a Worker Visitor Visa | 51 working days | 72 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Child of Military Visitor Visa | 51 working days | 72 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Academic Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Adoption Pre-citizenship Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Adoption Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Antarctic Traveller Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Arts and Music Festival Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Crew joining a Ship or Plane Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Dismissed Worker Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Escort of Medical Patients Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| German Law Student Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Medical Treatment Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Occupational Registration Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Pitcairn Islander Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Private Yacht or Plane Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Refugee Claimant Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Sports Events Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Super Yachts Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Visiting Media Visitor Visa | 17 working days | 24 working days | Longer 41.2% |
| Guardian Visitor Visa | 23 working days | 32 working days | Longer 39.1% |
| Entertainers Work Visa | 8 working days | 11 working days | Longer 37.5% |
| Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa | 44 working days | 28 working days | Shorter 36.4% |
| Argentina Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Austria Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Belgium Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Brazil Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Canada Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Chile Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| China Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Croatia Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Czech Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Denmark Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Estonia Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Finland Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| France Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Germany Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Hong Kong SAR Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Hungary Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Ireland Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Israel Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Italy Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Japan Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Korea Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Latvia Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Lithuania Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Luxembourg Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Malaysia Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Malta Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Mexico Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Netherlands Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Norway Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Peru Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Philippines Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Poland Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Portugal Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Singapore Work Exchange Programme Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Slovakia Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Slovenia Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Spain Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Sweden Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Taiwan Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Thailand Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Turkey Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| United Kingdom Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Uruguay Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| USA Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Vietnam Working Holiday Visa | 11 working days | 15 working days | Longer 36.4% |
| Exchange Student Visa | 14 working days | 9 working days | Shorter 35.7% |
| Religious Worker Work Visa | 17 working days | 11 working days | Shorter 35.3% |
| Religious Worker Resident Visa | 280 working days | 183 working days | Shorter 34.6% |
| Religious Worker Resident Visa | 91 working days | 122 working days | Longer 34.1% |
| Tour Escort Visitor Visa | 3 working days | 4 working days | Longer 33.3% |
| Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa | 73 working days | 51 working days | Shorter 30.1% |
| Dependent Child Student Visa | 50 working days | 65 working days | Longer 30% |
| Accredited Employer Work Visa | 57 working days | 42 working days | Shorter 26.3% |
| Accredited Employer Work Visa | 21 working days | 16 working days | Shorter 23.8% |
| Specific Purpose Work Visa | 17 working days | 21 working days | Longer 23.5% |
| Group Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 11 working days | Longer 22.2% |
| Religious Worker Work Visa | 28 working days | 22 working days | Shorter 21.4% |
| Partner of a Student Work Visa | 43 working days | 35 working days | Shorter 18.6% |
| Partner of an NZ Scholarship Student Work Visa | 43 working days | 35 working days | Shorter 18.6% |
| Samoan Quota Resident Visa | 414 working days | 490 working days | Longer 18.4% |
| China Skilled Workers Visa | 59 working days | 49 working days | Shorter 16.9% |
| China Special Work Visa | 59 working days | 49 working days | Shorter 16.9% |
| Domestic Staff of a Diplomat Work Visa | 59 working days | 49 working days | Shorter 16.9% |
| Global Impact Permanent Residence Visa | 59 working days | 49 working days | Shorter 16.9% |
| Indonesia Special Work Visa | 59 working days | 49 working days | Shorter 16.9% |
| Japanese Interpreters Work Visa | 59 working days | 49 working days | Shorter 16.9% |
| Partner of Military Work Visa | 59 working days | 49 working days | Shorter 16.9% |
| Philippines Special Work Visa | 59 working days | 49 working days | Shorter 16.9% |
| Primary Sector Trainees Work Visa | 59 working days | 49 working days | Shorter 16.9% |
| Republic of Korea Special Work Visa | 59 working days | 49 working days | Shorter 16.9% |
| South Island Contribution Work Visa | 59 working days | 49 working days | Shorter 16.9% |
| Student and Trainee Work Visa | 59 working days | 49 working days | Shorter 16.9% |
| Thai Chefs Work Visa | 59 working days | 49 working days | Shorter 16.9% |
| Vietnam Special Work Visa | 59 working days | 49 working days | Shorter 16.9% |
| Entrepreneur Work Visa | 508 working days | 428 working days | Shorter 15.7% |
| Parent Retirement Resident Visa | 954 working days | 815 working days | Shorter 14.6% |
| Group Visitor Visa | 7 working days | 8 working days | Longer 14.3% |
| Samoan Quota Resident Visa | 452 working days | 514 working days | Longer 13.7% |
| Partner of a Worker Work Visa | 37 working days | 42 working days | Longer 13.5% |
| Dependent Child Resident Visa | 143 working days | 162 working days | Longer 13.3% |
| Guardian Visitor Visa | 53 working days | 46 working days | Shorter 13.2% |
| Pacific Access Category Resident Visa | 542 working days | 472 working days | Shorter 12.9% |
| Tour Escort Visitor Visa | 8 working days | 9 working days | Longer 12.5% |
| Victims of Family Violence Resident Visa | 162 working days | 182 working days | Longer 12.3% |
| Straight to Residence Visa | 50 working days | 56 working days | Longer 12% |
| Partner of a Student Work Visa | 17 working days | 15 working days | Shorter 11.8% |
| Partner of an NZ Scholarship Student Work Visa | 17 working days | 15 working days | Shorter 11.8% |
| Academic Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Adoption Pre-citizenship Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Adoption Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Antarctic Traveller Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Arts and Music Festival Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Crew joining a Ship or Plane Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Dismissed Worker Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Escort of Medical Patients Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| German Law Student Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Medical Treatment Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Occupational Registration Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Pitcairn Islander Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Private Yacht or Plane Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Refugee Claimant Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Sports Events Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Super Yachts Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Visiting Media Visitor Visa | 9 working days | 8 working days | Shorter 11.1% |
| Specific Purpose Work Visa | 10 working days | 11 working days | Longer 10% |
| Work to Residence Visa | 52 working days | 56 working days | Longer 7.7% |
| English Language Student Visa | 57 working days | 53 working days | Shorter 7% |
| Fee Paying Student Visa | 57 working days | 53 working days | Shorter 7% |
| Pathway Student Visa | 57 working days | 53 working days | Shorter 7% |
| Entrepreneur Work Visa | 368 working days | 392 working days | Longer 6.5% |
| Work to Residence Visa | 80 working days | 85 working days | Longer 6.3% |
| Parent Retirement Resident Visa | 455 working days | 427 working days | Shorter 6.2% |
| Work Exchange Scheme Work Visa | 17 working days | 16 working days | Shorter 5.9% |
| Parent Resident Visa | 298 working days | 312 working days | Longer 4.7% |
| Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | 64 working days | 67 working days | Longer 4.7% |
| Active Investor Plus Visa | 43 working days | 45 working days | Longer 4.7% |
| Foreign Government Supported Student Visa | 22 working days | 21 working days | Shorter 4.5% |
| Foreign Government Supported Student Visa | 22 working days | 21 working days | Shorter 4.5% |
| NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa | 22 working days | 21 working days | Shorter 4.5% |
| NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa | 22 working days | 21 working days | Shorter 4.5% |
| Vocational Trainee Student Visa | 22 working days | 21 working days | Shorter 4.5% |
| Vocational Trainee Student Visa | 22 working days | 21 working days | Shorter 4.5% |
| Dependent Child Resident Visa | 197 working days | 189 working days | Shorter 4.1% |
| Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa | 51 working days | 53 working days | Longer 3.9% |
| Straight to Residence Visa | 92 working days | 95 working days | Longer 3.3% |
| Partner of a Worker Work Visa | 30 working days | 31 working days | Longer 3.3% |
| Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | 99 working days | 102 working days | Longer 3% |
| Pacific Access Category Resident Visa | 484 working days | 471 working days | Shorter 2.7% |
| Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa | 38 working days | 37 working days | Shorter 2.6% |
| Parent Resident Visa | 200 working days | 205 working days | Longer 2.5% |
| Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa | 203 working days | 199 working days | Shorter 2% |
| Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa | 86 working days | 85 working days | Shorter 1.2% |
| Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa | 171 working days | 172 working days | Longer 0.6% |
Method and limits
GovWait compares consecutive rows in its append-only history. A numeric change is counted only when both official observations contain a published duration and the normalized values differ. Unchanged values and unavailable states are counted separately. Percentages are calculated from normalized days, while the tables retain the agency’s original day-or-week wording.
This analysis describes changes in published planning figures, not case outcomes, approval odds or a guarantee for an individual application. Read the current NZ comparison and methodology or the full GovWait methodology.