Mail Redirection:
Mail has now been redirected from the Auckland documentation office to offices outside the city. Some paper applications have also been moved for lodgement and processing. There will be delays in the receipting and lodgement of paper applications as these applications are processed by other offices.
It is likely that residence applications will remain with the Auckland branch and assessments/decision-making has been halted.
Online VOC Processing:
Online requests for a Variation of Conditions (VOC) of a work visa went live 3rd September. Requests will be processed in the order received, with priority given to paper VOCs submitted prior to lockdown. Only conditions related to work visas can be requested through this channel.
Application refunds:
Applicants who have submitted both a paper and online application will be eligible for a fee refund on one of these applications. Immigration New Zealand will work with the applicants once the application is assessed.
Exceptional circumstances:
Where your visa is about the expire, these individuals [with exceptional circumstances awaiting a decision on a paper-based temporary visa application] are encouraged to contact the Immigration Contact Centre (ICC) to discuss the options available to them.