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New Zealand Transitions Most Visitor Visa Applications to Enhanced Immigration Online System

From 1 October 2026, INZ will stop accepting paper applications for the selected visitor and transit visas covered by the announcement. Applications for these visa types must instead be submitted through enhanced Immigration Online, except where exceptional circumstances allow a paper application. The change applies to the Transit Visa and the following visitor visa categories: General Visitor Visa, Business Visitor Visa, Group Visitor Visa including Approved Destination Status (ADS), Academic Visitor Visa, Adoption Visitor Visa, Adoption Pre-citizenship Visitor Visa, Antarctic Traveller Visitor Visa, Arts and Music Festival Visitor Visa, Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa, Crew joining a Ship or Plane Visitor Visa, Dismissed Worker Visitor Visa, Escort of Medical Patients Visitor Visa, German Law Student Visitor Visa, Guardian Visitor Visa, Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, Occupational Registration Visitor Visa, Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa, Pitcairn Islander Visitor Visa, Private Yacht or Plane Visitor Visa, Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa, Sports Events Visitor Visa, Super Yachts Visitor Visa, Tour Escort Visitor Visa and Visiting Media Visitor Visa. INZ says the online system allows applicants to upload documents electronically, receive real-time application updates, access clearer guidance and built-in help, and reduce errors through features such as automatic passport information capture. INZ also expects the online process to reduce delays by adapting questions to an applicant's circumstances and helping applicants submit complete information. Paper applications will not disappear completely. They may still be accepted where exceptional circumstances apply. Applicants who believe they need to use a paper form must contact INZ to discuss their circumstances. The announcement does not apply to every visitor visa. INZ will continue accepting applications through current channels for the following categories until further notice: Partner of Military Visitor Visa, Child of Military Visitor Visa, Partner of a Student Visitor Visa, Child of a Student Visitor Visa, Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa, Child of a Worker Visitor Visa, Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa, Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa, Trafficking Child Victim Visitor Visa, Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa and Refugee Claimant Visitor Visa. INZ states that paper applications for these categories may be removed at a later date.

Jurisdiction

New Zealand

Category

Tourism & short stay

Recorded versions

2

Official source

immigration.govt.nz