Home / Business and Economy / NZ Immigration Hits Record: 1 Million Visas Processed!
NZ Immigration Hits Record: 1 Million Visas Processed!
23 Jan
Summary
- New Zealand processed over one million visa decisions in 2025.
- Processing times for visitor and student visas significantly decreased.
- Five new visa categories were introduced to support investment and recruitment.
New Zealand's immigration system experienced its busiest year on record in 2025, successfully processing more than one million visa decisions. This achievement was accompanied by substantial reductions in processing times across key visa streams.
Visitor visas were decided in an average of five working days, a decrease from seven in the previous year. International student visa processing times fell from 18 to 12 working days. The Accredited Employer Work Visa saw a dramatic reduction in processing, dropping from 23 to 12 working days, significantly benefiting employers and applicants alike.
In addition to streamlining existing pathways, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) introduced five new visa categories. These new pathways were designed to encourage investment, assist businesses in recruiting essential workers, address seasonal labor demands, and foster family connections. These initiatives aim to support New Zealand's economic and social objectives.
The agency also facilitated over 13.4 million border movements and supported the resettlement of more than 1,500 refugees. Compliance activities, including post-accreditation checks and prosecutions, were also maintained throughout the year to ensure the integrity of the immigration system.
