Permanent Resident Visa Applications Go Digital

Embracing Digital Transformation in Immigration

In a significant move towards digitalisation, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that Permanent Resident Visa General (PRV), Second or Subsequent Resident Visa, and Variation of Travel Conditions of a Resident Visa applications will transition to the enhanced Immigration Online system by the end of January 2024. This strategic shift is part of INZ's preparation for the anticipated surge in PRV applications, especially from the cohort of 2021 Resident Visa applicants.

The Benefits of Online Applications

The transition to the online platform is set to revolutionise the application process. By digitising submissions, INZ aims to minimise the need for physical documents such as passports and forms. This not only streamlines the application process but also accelerates the processing time. Applicants will benefit from the convenience of tracking their application progress online, marking a significant improvement in user experience and efficiency.

Exceptions to the Online Transition

It's important to note that specific permanent resident visa products, including the Global Impact Permanent Resident Visa and the Afghan Emergency Resettlement Permanent Resident Visa, will continue to require paper form applications. These specialised visa categories are not part of the current shift to the online system.

Inclusion of Secondary Applicants in PRV Applications

A critical aspect of the enhanced Immigration Online system is its approach to secondary applicants. The system does not permit the addition of secondary applicants post-submission. This is particularly relevant for instances where secondary applicants for 2021 Resident Visas were not included initially. INZ advises applicants to apply for PRV as a family group when the principal applicant is eligible, including a cover letter to address any discrepancies.

Addressing the Challenges for Secondary Applicants

INZ recognises that in some cases, secondary applicants were inadvertently omitted, leading to a delay in their PRV eligibility compared to the principal applicant. To mitigate this issue, affected applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter and a copy of an email from INZ in their PRV application. This will enable INZ to consider granting a PRV as an exception to the standard immigration instructions.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Efficient Immigration Processing

This move to the enhanced Immigration Online system by Immigration New Zealand is a significant step towards modernising and streamlining the immigration process. It reflects INZ's commitment to improving the application experience for both primary and secondary applicants, ensuring a more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly system.

For further assistance or inquiries about the new online application process, applicants are encouraged to contact us directly for further assistance.

Source: Immigration New Zealand