Immigration New Zealand is (INZ) warning of backlogs for applications made in China for Working Holiday visas after the annual application quota was reached less than a day it opened.
Source: visabureau.com
“We are currently in the process of assessing the China Working Holiday Scheme applications that have been lodged,” said a statement on the INZ website. “As you may be aware, all 1,000 places in the quota were allocated on the day the quota opened. This means all the applications are being received in a very short period of time, resulting in a temporary backlog situation at the China branches.
“In fairness to all applicants, applications will be assessed in order, based on the date that your supporting documents were received. We will attempt to process your application as quickly as possible; however the current processing time frame is between 45 and 60 days of receiving the physical documentation for your Working Holiday Scheme visa.”
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The Working Holiday Scheme allows people aged between 18-30 (occasionally 18-35) from certain countries, the chance to travel and work in New Zealand for a period of up to 12 months, or 23 months if you’re from the UK.
New Zealand currently has Working Holiday Scheme agreements with the following countries: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK, USA, Uruguay and Vietnam.