New Zealand immigration department set for upgrade

The New Zealand Immigration Deptartment’s IT system is set to receive a major upgrade, with the aim of helping to attract skilled migrants, reduce processing times and increase security. Service of the new Immigration Global Management System (IGMS) begins this year. The new system will help speed up the processing of visa applications and allow applicants to do more online. Some of the changes will include biometric capability, enhancing identity management and improving security. New Zealand visa applicants will be given an individual immigration ‘account’ into which they can enter their personal information and keep track of their visa application progress.