Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that, effective August 24, 2026, Group and Tour Escort visitor visa applications have now moved to INZ’s enhanced Immigration Online system.
From August 24, 2026, users will be automatically directed to the enhanced Immigration Online system when starting a new online application for one of the following visa types:
Group Visitor Visa
- General
- Approved Destination Status (ADS)
Visitor Visa
- Tour Escort Visitor Visa
- General Visitor Visa for ADS Free and Independent Travellers (FIT).
All applications submitted using the old application form will still be processed. Users do not need to do anything. They will have access to their application to upload documents and respond to Immigration New Zealand requests until the application is decided and the decision communicated.
Those who have a draft application on the old form have until October 7, 2026 to complete and submit it. On October 8, 2026, any remaining drafts will be deleted, and users will have to start a new application using the new form.
Other visitor visa categories
The following visitor visas will be available exclusively through enhanced Immigration Online from September 24, 2026:
- Visitor Visa
- Business Visitor Visa
- Academic Visitor Visa
- Arts and Music Festival Visitor Visa
- Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa
- Crew joining a Ship or Plane Visitor Visa
- Dismissed Worker Visitor Visa
- Escort of Medical Patients Visitor Visa
- German Law Student Visitor Visa
- Guardian Visitor Visa
- Medical Treatment Visitor Visa
- Occupational Registration Visitor Visa
- Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa
- Pitcairn Islander Visitor Visa
- Private Yacht or Plane Visitor Visa
- Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa
- Sports Events Visitor Visa
- Super Yachts Visitor Visa
- Trafficking Child Victim Visitor Visa (applications for this visa will be paper only)
- Visiting Media Visitor Visa.
The following visas were transitioned to the enhanced system in June 2026 and enhanced Immigration Online is the preferred system for receiving these applications. Applications submitted through the enhanced system will be prioritized for assessment.
- Partner of Military Visitor Visa
- Child of Military Visitor Visa
- Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
- Child of a Student Visitor Visa
- Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa
- Child of a Worker Visitor Visa
No changes are being made to the following list of visitor visa application forms, these will remain available in the old system until they are transitioned to enhanced Immigration Online:
- Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa
- Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news becomes 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.