New Zealand’s immigration body has recently announced that from August 18th, 2025, international student visa applications must be submitted through the country’s updated Immigration Online system.
According to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), the change is part of the long-term “Our Future Services” programme, which looks to move all visa services to the enhanced Immigration Online system, also called ADEPT. The new platform is structured to simplify application steps, reduce waiting times, and offer more digital self-service features for applicants and staff.
“INZ’s ambition is to provide a trusted, world-class immigration service to all our customers and staff.” The statement read.
Student Visa Applications Now Online
As of August 18th, anyone applying for an international student visa will be automatically redirected to the new online application form. This includes the following student visa categories:
- English Language
- Exchange Student
- Fee Paying
- Pathway Student
- New Zealand Government Scholarship
- Foreign Government Supported
Visa applications submitted using the old form on or before August 17th, 2025, will still be processed. Applicants with these submissions can continue to upload documents and respond to requests through the old platform until a decision is made.
For those who started but have not submitted an application using the old system, there is a final deadline of September 17th, 2025, to submit the form. After that date, all draft applications in the old system will be removed.
End of Paper-Based Applications in September
From September 18th, 2025, paper applications for the same group of student visas will no longer be accepted. All submissions must be made online using the new application platform. This shift marks a full transition of international student visa types to the digital system.
Applicants are encouraged to review the updated online guidance and use the tools provided by the immigration body if they need assistance with the online process. The department also plans to update information sheets and checklists to support education agents and other third parties who assist applicants.
Immigration New Zealand notes that this is a peak time for student visa applications. To avoid delays, applicants are advised to apply at least three months before their planned travel to New Zealand. Applying early allows time for processing and avoids last-minute disruptions that could impact the start of the study.
Future System Rollout to Include More Visa Types
The introduction of the enhanced system for student visas is the first complete transition under the Our Future Services programme. More visa types, including those for accompanying family members, will be moved to the new system over the next year.
Several other visa products have already transitioned to the ADEPT platform since its initial rollout in 2021. These include:
- Visitor Visa
- Accredited Employer Work Visa
- Permanent Resident Visa
The shift is part of a seven-year plan to move all visa processing to the digital platform.
INZ stated, “Our focus is on creating a visa process that is clear, consistent, and easy to follow for all users.”
Access to Existing Applications
Applicants who used the older application system before August 17th will still have access to their application through the old platform. This access will remain until a final decision has been made on the application.
To check the status of an existing application or to continue uploading documents, applicants can still log in using the old system.
