Citizenship Office Consistently Meeting Processing Targets
The Department of Internal Affairs is now consistently meeting its target to process 90% of citizenship by grant applications within 75 days, a significant improvement after years of delays. This positive trend has also led to a 12% increase in applications received in 2025.
What changed
- 94.6% of citizenship by grant applications are now processed within 75 days, up from 0.6% in April 2022.
- This is the longest period of consistent on-time processing since July 2019.
- The Department processed the most applications in its history in 2025.
- A focus on clearing older applications first has helped improve timeliness.
Who this affects
This directly affects individuals applying for New Zealand citizenship by grant, including those who have recently applied or are planning to apply.
What you should do
If you are applying for citizenship, you can expect a faster processing time, with most applications now being decided within 75 days. Ensure your application is complete and accurate to avoid any potential delays.
Want to know exactly when you can apply for NZ citizenship? Enter your visa details and travel history into our free calculator.
Check your eligibility dateOriginal source: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/citizenship-office-smashing-timeliness-targets
This summary is an AI-assisted plain-English rewrite of an official NZ Government press release for general guidance only. Always check the official source before acting on your visa or citizenship application.