The 2021 Resident Visa (RV2021) was one of the largest single residence visa grants in New Zealand history. Over 200,000 people were eligible, and the majority were granted residence between late 2021 and mid-2022. As those visa holders approach their 5-year residence milestone, New Zealand is about to see a significant surge in citizenship applications starting in late 2026 and peaking through 2027. Here is what you need to know and how to prepare.
The RV2021 timeline to citizenship
The 2021 Resident Visa was processed in phases. Here is when those groups become eligible for citizenship (assuming presence requirements are met):
| RV2021 grant date | Earliest citizenship eligibility |
|---|---|
| December 2021 | December 2026 |
| March 2022 | March 2027 |
| June 2022 | June 2027 |
| September 2022 | September 2027 |
| December 2022 | December 2027 |
These dates assume you meet the presence requirements. If you have travelled extensively, your actual eligibility date may be later. Check your specific date with our calculator.
The expected surge in applications
In a normal year, DIA processes approximately 25,000-30,000 citizenship applications. The RV2021 wave could add tens of thousands of additional applications concentrated in a 12-18 month period. This is unprecedented in New Zealand's immigration history.
What this means for you:
- •Processing times are likely to increase beyond the current 3-6 month average
- •Ceremony wait times may also increase as councils manage higher volumes
- •DIA may take steps to manage the surge, such as increasing staff or simplifying processes
- •Applying early gives you the best chance of faster processing
How DIA is likely to respond
DIA is aware of the upcoming surge. While no specific plans have been publicly announced at the time of writing, based on how immigration authorities have handled similar surges in the past, possible responses include:
- •Hiring additional processing staff and training existing staff to handle citizenship applications
- •Streamlining the application review process for straightforward cases
- •Increasing the frequency and capacity of citizenship ceremonies
- •Improving the online application system to handle higher volumes
How to prepare now
Even though you may not be eligible for citizenship yet, there are several things you can do right now to ensure a smooth application:
Track your travel days
Use our calculator to log all your overseas trips and track your running presence totals. This is the most common source of delays and errors. See our counting presence days guide.
Request your travel movements
Request your official travel movements record from Immigration NZ. This is free but takes about 20 working days. Having this document ready before you apply saves time.
Obtain police certificates
You will need police clearance from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more since age 17. Some countries take weeks or months to process these. Start early.
Gather your documents
Review our documents checklist and start collecting everything you need. Certified translations of non-English documents take time.
Manage your travel carefully
Limit overseas travel in the final year before your eligibility date. Extended holidays could push your eligibility date back and into the peak processing period.
Peak periods to avoid
Based on the RV2021 grant date distribution, the peak application period is expected to be March through July 2027. If your eligibility falls within this window, consider:
- •Having all documents ready so you can apply on the first day you are eligible
- •Submitting a complete, error-free application to avoid delays from requests for further information
- •Being patient with processing times, which may be longer than the current standard
For more strategic timing advice, see our post on the best time to apply in 2027.
Frequently asked questions
When can RV2021 holders apply for citizenship?
It depends on when your RV2021 was granted. Most RV2021 visas were granted between December 2021 and September 2022. If your visa was granted in March 2022, you would complete 5 years of residence in March 2027. You also need to meet the 1,350-day and 240-day presence requirements. Use our calculator for your exact date.
Will processing times be longer because of the RV2021 surge?
It is very likely. DIA has acknowledged the expected increase in applications. Current processing times are 3-6 months, but during the peak period in 2027, times could extend to 6-12 months or longer depending on DIA's capacity and resourcing.
Should I apply as early as possible?
Yes. Applying as soon as you are eligible (rather than waiting) means your application enters the queue before the peak. Those who are eligible in early 2027 have an advantage over those who become eligible mid-year when the volume is highest.
Do I need a Permanent Resident Visa before applying for citizenship?
Not necessarily. You can apply for citizenship while holding a standard resident visa. However, if your travel conditions require a PRV, or if you want the security of unrestricted travel before your citizenship is processed, it may be worth upgrading. See our guide on resident vs permanent resident visas.
Find out exactly when you can apply for NZ citizenship based on your RV2021 grant date and travel history.
Check your eligibility date