INZ KEY STATISTICS
Steve Baker • May 4, 2025
Statistics about visa application processing and decisions for some of INZ’s key visa categories are listed below, and are correct as of 27 April 2025 (unless otherwise stated).
AEWV
So far in 2025 (1 January 2025 – 27 April 2025):
- INZ has received 7,420 Employer Accreditation applications, including 4,903 applications for reaccreditation, and has decided 7,528 Employer Accreditation applications
- INZ has received 8,224 Job Check applications.
- 8,135 Job Check applications have been decided in 2025 to date.
- 19,024 Job Tokens having been approved and 5,576 Job Tokens having been used for roles.
- INZ has received 10,498 AEWV applications.
- 10,930 AEWV applications have been decided in 2025 to date.
VISITOR AND STUDENT VISA
So far in 2025 (1 January 2025 – 27 April 2025):
- INZ has received 146,955 visitor visa applications, with 96,467 of these being for General Visitor Visas, 23,823 being for Business Visitor Visas, and the remainder being for other types.
- 153,815 visitor visa applications have been decided in 2025 to date.
- INZ have received 23,600 international student visa applications.
- 24,341 applications have been decided in 2025 to date.
SKILLED RESIDENCE
So far in 2025 (1 January 2025 – 27 April 2025):
- INZ has received 766 applications under the new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC).
- 819 new SMC applications have been decided.
- INZ has received 1,354 Green List Straight to Residence (StR) applications and 265 Green List Work to Residence (WtR) applications.
- 1,472 StR and 281 WtR applications have been decided in 2025 respectively.
If you or someone you know has questions regarding immigration or visa process, get in touch with Steve.
From 24 August 2026, the SMC offers three ways to qualify. None replaces the others, and you only need to meet the requirements of the one pathway you apply to.
The new available routes: Skilled Work Experience pathway & Trades and Technician pathways.
In September 2025, the NZ Government announced changes to help New Zealand employers attract and retain skilled workers and support long-term economic growth.
While the citizenship process is faster than it has been in recent years, it is still important to get it right the first time.
The change will be most felt in industries that rely heavily on Level 3 mid skilled roles, creating immediate pressure on labour and project delivery.
English Language requirements extended to AEWV skill level 3
Find out more infomation through the provided link
New residence pathways are scheduled to take effect late August 2026. These pathways are in addition to the current system and require key elements to be met.
Immigration New Zealand is announcing further detail on changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) ahead of these changes taking effect from late August 2026.
This scheme has already secured at least $3.39 billion in committed investment, according to Immigration NZ.
