Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that, on August 18, 2025, international student visa applications moved to its enhanced Immigration Online system. Groups of visa products are transitioning to the new system one by one. International student visas were the first transition completed by the Our Future Services program.
From August 18, 2025, users will be automatically directed to the new application form when applying for one of the following student visa types:
- English Language Student Visa
- Exchange Student Visa
- Fee Paying Student Visa
- Pathway Student Visa
- NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa
- Foreign Government Supported Student Visa
All applications that were submitted on the old application form on or before August 17, 2025 will be processed. Applicants do not need to resubmit their application if they have already applied. 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 an unsubmitted draft application on the old application form have until September 17, 2025 to complete and submit it, or they can choose to start a new application on the new application form.
- After September 17, 2025, all remaining draft applications on the old form will be deleted and INZ will no longer be accepting paper applications. Applicants will have to start a new application on the new form.
- Further related family visa products will be transitioned to the new system alongside other products over the next year.
Erickson Insights & 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.