Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that, effective August 18, 2025, international student visa applications have transitioned to its enhanced Immigration Online system, marking a significant milestone in the government’s long-term ‘Our Future Services’ programme. The move aims to create a faster, simpler, and more transparent visa application process for students worldwide.
The ‘Our Future Services’ initiative, launched as a seven-year programme, is designed to modernise New Zealand’s immigration services by shifting all visa categories to the Immigration Online system, also known as ADEPT. Since its introduction in 2021, several visa products, including Visitor Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa, and Permanent Resident Visa, have already been integrated into the platform.
“Customers and staff are at the heart of the Our Future Services programme. We are aiming to deliver a simpler, faster and more user-friendly visa application process to reduce waiting times, provide clear communication on application status and increase self-service capabilities so everyone feels more informed and better supported,” stated the press release.
Key Changes
From 18 August, applicants for the following student visa types are automatically directed to the new online application form:
- English Language Student Visa
- Exchange Student Visa
- Fee Paying Student Visa
- Pathway Student Visa
- New Zealand Government Scholarship Student Visa
- Foreign Government Supported Student Visa
Applications submitted on the old forms on or before August 17, 2025, will continue to be processed, and applicants will still be able to upload documents or respond to requests until a decision is made. However, draft applications left incomplete in the old system must be submitted by September 17, 2025. After this date, all remaining drafts will be deleted, and no paper applications will be accepted.
From September 18, 2025, INZ will no longer accept paper applications for the above-listed student visa categories. All applications will need to be submitted via the enhanced Immigration Online system. INZ is also working to update information sheets and checklists to assist education providers, agents, and families in supporting students with the new process.
The announcement comes during the peak period for student visa applications. INZ has advised prospective students to apply at least three months before their intended travel date to avoid delays that could impact their ability to begin studies on time.
Further related family visa products, along with other visa types, are expected to be transitioned to the new Immigration Online system over the next year. Updates will be made available through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Our Future Services page.
With this transition, INZ reinforces its ambition to provide a trusted, world-class immigration service that is more user-friendly, efficient, and aligned with the expectations of today’s global travellers.