News - Department of Labour enhances online immigration

Department of Labour enhances online immigration services

August 2002

The Department of Labour’s Access From Anywhere strategy is making it easier for people to access New Zealand immigration services – from anywhere, anytime.

By the end of this year, New Zealand will be among the first countries in the world that allow clients to self-assess, lodge, and pay for applications for immigration visas or permits over the Internet.

The first service to go online will allow people from visa-waiver countries to apply for a further Visitor’s Permit to extend their stay in New Zealand. After registering for a secure account with Online Services, visitors will be able to self-assess, lodge, and pay the fee for their application at any time of the day or night. Applicants will be told whether or not they will get a further permit within the next business day, providing faster turn-around than existing channels. They can then view the terms and conditions of their permit using their personal online account.

The service will be one of a suite of online services the New Zealand Immigration Service expects to have available from their web site (www.immigration.govt.nz).

For more information contact Rob Bolton, Project Director, Department of Labour - New Zealand Immigration Service.