Immigration New Zealand has announced that, on June 1, 2026, family of temporary visa holder applications moved to the enhanced Immigration Online system.
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 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.
Since June 1, 2026, users are automatically directed to enhanced Immigration Online if starting a new application for any of the following visa types:
- Student visas:
- Dependent Child Student Visa
- Work visas
- Partner of a Worker Work Visa
- Partner of Military Work Visa
- Partner of a Student Work Visa
- Partner of an NZ Scholarship Student Work Visa
- Visitor visas
- Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa
- Child of a Worker Visitor Visa
- Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
- Child of a Student Visitor Visa
- Partner of Military Visitor Visa
- Child of Military Visitor Visa.
All applications that were submitted through the old system on or before May 31, 2026, will be processed. Applicants do not need to resubmit an application if they have already applied. Applicants will have access to their application to upload documents and respond to requests until the application is decided and INZ communicates the decision.
Those who have a draft application in the old system can choose to complete and submit it or start a new application in enhanced Immigration Online. Applications submitted through the enhanced Immigration Online system will be prioritized for assessment during the transition.
The application form in the old system is still used for other visas. The old form will be closed once those visas have moved to enhanced Immigration Online. INZ will contact people with draft applications to ensure they have enough time to complete their application before the form is closed.
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.