29971 (2023). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister of Immigration

29971 (2023). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister of Immigration: What expectations, if any, does the Minister have for processing times for visa applications undergoing national security checks?

Hon Erica Stanford: I am advised that when it is determined that a National Security Check (NSC) is required, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) gather all relevant documentation and submit the referral to the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service for processing. My expectation is that the need for, and submission of, an NSC occurs when an application is first received and in a timely manner. Once the NSC has been submitted, visa applications are then allocated and assessed in line with the relevant immigration instructions. Visa processing timeframes are dependant on a number of factors including health assessments, character assessments and the provision of incomplete documentation.