Application processing

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) offices will be closed on public holidays, and there will be reduced services from 25 December to 5 January. 

A small number of staff will be available during this period to manage urgent or emergencies only (e.g., bereavement, illness, family emergency).

Standard processing will resume from 5 January 2026.

Escalations

If you need to escalate an application urgently during the holiday period, you can do so through the usual escalation process, noting that INZ staff do not work on statutory holidays or weekends.

Please note that escalations will only be prioritised if they meet emergency criteria.

Information requests (PPI/RFI)

Between 15 December and 5 January, any request for additional information will allow a minimum of 10 working days for response, except for 15 working days for investor visa categories. 

Extensions can still be requested through the usual process if needed.