Typical length for CO assignment (offshore SMC)

[wouldbekiwi]

After much thought about it and many trips to the country, my partner and I decided to apply for the SMC resident visa, since we are fortunate enough to have enough points (albeit barely) to meet the threshold without a job offer. We realize this would result in a JSV for my partner (the principal applicant), but that is not the concern -- it's more about having some certainty about our long-term status once all is done and dusted.

Speaking of that certainty (or lack thereof), although the fee was deducted around March 10, as of May 20 we still had not been assigned a CO according to the INZ call center. We were quoted a time of "3-6 months" for said assignment, but my partner forgot to ask if that was from the time of lodgement or from the time of our call. I am aware of the statistics posted on their site saying that 75% of SMC applications get resolved within 7 months, etc., but I would at least be curious to know how long we can expect the CO assignment process to take. Hoping people with a similar situation to ours could speak to their experience. Thanks in advance!

[JandM]

That's likely to be from the time of lodgement. But do bear in mind that any timings given by INZ, on web pages or told you by an official or telephone answerer are NEVER a promise, only ever their best guess based on averages before that time. There are so many variables that its impossible to be precise. Likewise, anything you hear from other people cannot have a direct bearing on your case, as that was THEIR case's navigation of the system, and in the meantime, the flow of the system has moved on.

[CSG12]

I would at least be curious to know how long we can expect the CO assignment process to take. Hoping people with a similar situation to ours could speak to their experience.

Dear wouldbekiwi,

I have also applied from offshore (SMC / no job offer). Application was lodged on 17 Jan 2018. I have not been contacted by a CO until now but I found out from call centre that as at 4 May 2018, a lot of work had already been done on our submission. So that's over three months from lodgement. The following week, I found out (again from the call centre agent) that the application was in queue for a second person check. My plan is to call every week to get updates or until I get contacted by my CO whom I could then ask directly. Good luck to us!

[diallta]

When I called to inquire about my Partnership Residency Visa the phone representatives provided substantially overinflated estimates versus how long the processing actually took. In early April the estimate was that it could be as late as August before my CO completed his work, but roughly two weeks later the AIP letter arrived. I suspect that the phone representatives provide long estimates to keep people from repeatedly calling them to inquire about status.

In hindsight my application was processed quickly, but while I was anxiously waiting time seemed to drag on forever.

[Gaida]

I applied Dec 2016. Took 9 months for CO assignment; 18 months for initial decision.

[wouldbekiwi]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. Hearing about the timelines means we may need to adjust our expectations w/r to how long this would take. I was hoping we'd have a decision by January 2019, but it sounds quite possible it could drag on until next summer for us.

[ChrisMwn]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. Hearing about the timelines means we may need to adjust our expectations w/r to how long this would take. I was hoping we'd have a decision by January 2019, but it sounds quite possible it could drag on until next summer for us.

I don't think you can make any call at all as to how long your case might take, based on the experiences of others.

As INZ change their global business model, close overseas offices, numbers start to trend downward, and more online lodgement of applications happens, time-frames are constantly changing.

Your case will take. "as long as it takes"

[grayshen]

I almost forgot I applied SMC after 8 months waiting ...

[wouldbekiwi]

Good news! We did get a CO, who just announced himself to us, so it seems like things are moving a bit faster!

[Banupriyam]

That’s good news.ive also applied SMC from offshore and money deducted on April 19th with acknowledgement .when I enquired last week ,they told its in queue for Co to be assigned.