Immigration New Zealand (INZ) recently encountered an IT issue affecting visa applicants. The problem caused delays in sending important correspondence to visa applicants, which may have caused concern for those awaiting updates. Fortunately, the issue was promptly resolved by Friday, 6 September 2024, at 4:00 PM NZST. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the issue, which visas were affected, and what this means for applicants.
The IT Issue Explained
At some point on 6 September 2024, an IT glitch occurred in INZ’s system, specifically affecting the dispatch of letters to visa applicants. These letters often contain critical updates, such as approvals, rejections, or requests for further information. Many applicants rely on these timely updates to plan their next steps, making the delay a significant issue for those involved.
The technical issue was isolated to certain visa processing systems and, as a result, some visa applicants experienced a delay in receiving these important documents. The INZ team quickly identified and addressed the problem, with full resolution completed by 4:00 PM NZST on the same day. Applicants affected by the delay were subsequently informed.
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Visas Affected by the IT Issue
Not all visas processed by INZ were impacted by the IT issue. According to INZ’s news center, only certain visa categories faced delays. These include:
- Work Visas: Applicants for temporary and long-term work visas might have experienced delays in receiving final decision letters or requests for additional documentation.
- Student Visas: Some international students waiting for confirmation of their visa status may have seen delays in updates from INZ.
- Visitor Visas: Individuals planning short-term stays in New Zealand could have encountered delays in receiving approval letters or visa status updates.
- Partnership and Family Visas: Families and partners of New Zealand residents and citizens applying for reunification or long-term stays may also have been affected by this IT issue.
What This Means for Visa Applicants
For applicants whose visas were impacted by the delay, Immigration New Zealand has provided reassurances that the issue is now fully resolved. Applicants should have received their delayed letters shortly after the problem was fixed. However, if you are still waiting for updates and believe your application may have been affected, it’s important to check the following:
- Check Your Email and Online Account: Letters from INZ are typically sent via email or uploaded to your online account. If you haven’t received any communication yet, log in to your account and check for updates or notifications.
- Extended Processing Time: While the technical issue has been resolved, some visa decisions may experience minor processing delays. If your visa application was close to being finalized when the issue occurred, allow for a few extra days for INZ to catch up with the backlog.
- Follow Up If Necessary: If you believe you have been affected but still haven’t received your letter, you can contact INZ directly. Ensure you have your application reference number handy when reaching out to speed up the assistance process.
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
How INZ Resolved the Issue
The IT issue was detected earlier on 6 September, and the INZ technical team immediately began troubleshooting to identify the root cause. After a thorough review and system analysis, they managed to resolve the problem by 4:00 PM NZST. The system is now fully operational, and all queued letters were processed and sent to the appropriate applicants.
Next Steps for Visa Applicants
If your visa was affected by this issue, and you still haven’t received communication from INZ, here’s what you can do:
- Check the INZ News Center: Regular updates are posted regarding the status of visa applications and any ongoing issues. This page will inform you of the most recent developments and if any further actions are required from applicants.
- Contact INZ: If the delay in communication persists, reaching out to Immigration New Zealand’s helpdesk or service center is advisable. INZ can provide direct information on the status of your application.
- Monitor Visa Processing Times: The processing times for different visa types are available on the INZ website. While the IT issue may have caused a temporary delay, it’s worth checking the standard processing time for your visa to determine if you should be concerned.
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
