From 18 September 2025, all international students applications must be lodged online, Immigration New Zealand said in a press statement.
All international student visa applications are now being processed through Immigration New Zealand’s upgraded Immigration Online platform, following a transition on 18 August 2025.
Immigration New Zealand said the student visa application process had been redesigned “to make it more efficient and effective for everyone.” The new online form is dynamic, meaning applicants are only required to answer questions relevant to their situation.
“Within the form, applicants will be supported with guidance to ensure they know what we are asking them and have easy access to information to help them answer the questions accurately,” Immigration New Zealand said.
Immigration New Zealand noted that while the form may take slightly longer to complete than its predecessor because of additional questions and evidence prompts, applicants should ultimately receive faster decisions. “By collecting the additional information up front, rather than having to contact the applicant and request it, we expect them to receive decisions on their visa applications faster,” Immigration New Zealand said. Applicants and their advisers will also receive email notifications and real-time status updates within their dashboard.
As part of the change, paper-based applications are being removed for several visa categories, including the English Language Student Visa, Exchange Student Visa, Fee Paying Student Visa, Pathway Student Visa, New Zealand Government Scholarship Student Visa, and Foreign Government Supported Student Visa.
A transition period is in place. Applications submitted using the old form on or before 17 August 2025 will continue to be processed. Drafts left in the old system can be submitted until 17 September 2025, after which they will be deleted. Applicants can also choose to start afresh using the new system.
Immigration New Zealand added that student visa reporting is also being redesigned to align with the new application form. “We acknowledge that for a short time this means our website timeliness reporting will not contain information for all applications we are processing and it will take us some time to design, build and test the new reporting functionality,” the agency said. It added that enhanced reporting would be ready in time for the student visa application summer peak between October and February.
With peak season approaching, students are advised to apply well in advance. “You should aim to apply 3 months ahead of your intended travel date as this will help to avoid delays that may impact your ability to start studying,” Immigration New Zealand said. The agency added that applications lodged six months or more before the study period may be given Approval in Principle, subject to confirmation of funds and study.
The transition of student visas is the first completed under Immigration New Zealand’s seven-year Our Future Services programme, which will eventually move all visa categories and processing to the enhanced Immigration Online system.