Important message on visa processing

This is an important message from Immigration New Zealand on upcoming changes to visa processing for the Americas and Europe.

These changes will mean the same, if not faster, visa processing for these regions.

Read on for full details…

Background
Currently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) provides visa services in three South American locations – Brasilia, Buenos Aires, and Santiago. The provision of these services will transition from MFAT to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) from the end of November 2012.

MFAT also provides visa services in five European locations – Berlin, Brussels, Geneva, Paris and Rome. The provision of these services will transition from MFAT to INZ in mid-December 2012.

INZ is working closely with MFAT to manage this transition.

How this relates to INZ’s move to online processing
INZ is introducing a new global service delivery model for visa processing.

The transition plans that INZ is working on have taken into account that INZ is introducing this new online system – the Immigration Global Management System – known as IGMS.

IGMS will provide a modern, stable and fit-for-purpose ICT system, which will support INZ’s current and future business requirements. It will better enable INZ to respond to the changing needs of NZ employers, tourism and education providers.

The first delivery from IGMS will be online student applications from late 2013.

What will be happening in Europe and the Americas from now until the new online system goes live?
On 27 November 2012, a Visa Application Centre (VAC) will be established in Washington DC and this will be the receiving office for the applications that are currently submitted to Brasilia, Buenos Aires, and Santiago.

On 10 December 2012, a Visa Application Centre (VAC) will be established in London and this will be the receiving office for the applications that are currently submitted to Berlin, Brussels, Geneva, Paris and Rome.

INZ has already established VACs in India, Russia, the Philippines, China, the Pacific and most recently in North Asia.

Any applications lodged prior to 27 November 2012 (for the Americas) and 10 December 2012 (for Europe) will continue to be processed and assessed as currently.

MFAT and INZ are working closely to manage the transition and to ensure that we continue to deliver for our customers and partners during this time.

Comprehensive FAQs and other information will be available prior to the transition taking place.

What will happen after the change?

Applications will need to be sent to the appropriate VAC for processing
Once these changes are in place students will need to mail or courier their application to the appropriate VAC. There will be no change to the forms, accompanying materials needed or the decision making process.
We understand that the requirement to mail/courier applications to the appropriate VAC will incur an additional cost. We will have discussions with courier companies to see if a special discounted rate can be agreed.

There will be faster decision making
The VAC will ensure that all required information is provided before the application is forwarded to relevant INZ branch for processing. This will have a flow on effect on processing timeliness, resulting in faster decisions for customers.

INZ is committed to improving the customer experience and applicants can expect an improved processing time, despite the need to mail/courier documents to the appropriate VAC.

Dedicated call centre with language service
Each VAC will have a dedicated call centre to support applicants/students. It will handle telephone and email enquiries relating to the application process and be staffed with English and Spanish speakers (Washington VAC) and English, French and German speakers (London VAC).

Note on immigration advice through the VAC
VACs provide visa facilitation services only. They cannot provide immigration advice and have no influence over the outcome of an application for a New Zealand visa, which can only be decided by an INZ officer.

VAC centre costs
There will be a cost for using the VAC service. This is common practice with several other countries also charging a facilitation fee in addition to the visa application fee. One fee will be payable per application, regardless of the number of individuals included.

What happens next?
Closer to the implementation dates, supporting materials will be available that will set out the contact details for the new receiving office for applications. These materials will be available on the INZ and MFAT websites.
Until notified otherwise, please continue to encourage students to make their applications in the usual manner. There is no reason to delay submitting an application – and likewise no urgency to submit.

Any applications lodged prior to 27 November 2012 (for the Americas) and 10 December 2012 (for Europe) will continue to be processed and assessed as currently.

Commitment to service and further questions
We value the relationship with ENZ and education providers in Europe. New Zealand’s economic future depends, in part, on our ability to attract and keep skilled migrants and on the continued success of our education, tourism and export sectors.

Please let us know, via Education New Zealand, if you have any queries or need additional information at this time

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