Effective July 20, 2026, Group visitor visa and Tour Escort visitor visa (including ADS) applications are moving to Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system.
Approved Destination Status (ADS) is an arrangement between the Chinese Government and another country that lets Chinese holiday travelers visit that country in a tour group or as Free and Independent Travelers (FITs).
Visa products are transitioning to enhanced Immigration Online in phases. INZ first introduced this platform in 2021 and has already moved several types of visa applications onto it, including family of temporary visa holder visas, international student visas, visitor visas, accredited employer work visas and permanent resident visas.
From July 20, 2026, new applications will be automatically directed through the new system. INZ will provide further information closer to the transition date.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.