Immigration New Zealand’s Key Highlights of 2024

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is the Key government agency responsible for managing immigration, visa applications, and settlement services in New Zealand. Established in 1909 as the Immigration Department under the Lands and Survey Department, it initially focused on finding employment for new immigrants.

Over the years, it evolved into the Immigration Division (1946), then the Immigration Service (1988), and finally became Immigration New Zealand in 2004. Today, INZ plays a key role in shaping New Zealand’s immigration policies and supporting migrants to settle and thrive.

Let’s look at INZ’s Key highlights of 2024

📅 Key Highlights of 2024

2024 was a milestone year for Immigration New Zealand (INZ), marked by significant achievements in visa processing, border management, and supporting migrants.

Notable Achievements:

Over 1.1 million visa decisions were processed.
12.8 million border movements were corded.
538,000 visitor visa applications were processed with an 88% approval rate.
1.6 million NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) applications approved.
27,000+ accredited employers under the AEWV policy, with over 17,000 new accreditations in 2024.
2,800+ post-accreditation checks for AEWV employers.
40,000+ AEWV applications were processed with an 86% approval rate.
50,000 working holiday applications were processed with 97% approvals, and 5,697 extensions were applied.
97,000+ student visas processed, 85% approved.
14,300 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) visas approved.
1,522 quota refugees successfully resettled.
436 individuals resettled under the Refugee Family Support Category.
91 refugees supported through the Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship pilot.

System Enhancements:

Transitioned Permanent Resident Visa and Transit Visa applications to the online system.
Secondary teachers were added to the Green List Straight to Residence category.
Launched new seasonal visa pathways to address workforce skill gaps.

These achievements were made possible by the hard work and dedication of INZ’s employees (kaimahi) and the support of various stakeholders.