New Zealand to shift selected visitor, transit visa applications online from October 1

New Zealand will stop accepting paper applications for a selected group of visitor and transit visas from October 1, 2026, requiring applicants to submit them through Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) enhanced Immigration Online system.

Paper applications submitted before October 1 will continue to be processed as usual. The change is part of INZ’s move to shift more visa applications and processing to its online platform.

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Visas moving online

The change covers Transit Visas and several visitor visa categories, including General Visitor Visa, Business Visitor Visa, Group Visitor Visa - including ADS, Academic Visitor Visa, Adoption Visitor Visa, Guardian Visitor Visa, Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa, Sports Events Visitor Visa, Visiting Media Visitor Visa, Tour Escort Visitor Visa, Super Yachts Visitor Visa, Private Yacht or Plane Visitor Visa.

It also applies to several other specialised visitor visa categories.

Online applications offer tracking

INZ said applying through the enhanced Immigration Online system will reduce paperwork and allow applicants to upload documents digitally.

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Applicants will also be able to track their applications through real-time updates. The system provides built-in guidance and adapts questions based on an applicant's circumstances.

INZ said these features are intended to reduce errors, delays and the need to submit physical documents.

Paper applications allowed in exceptional cases

From October 1, paper forms for the affected visas will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances.

Applicants who believe they need to use a paper form must contact INZ to discuss their situation.

The October 1 change does not cover certain visitor visa categories, including visas for partners and children of military personnel, students, workers and New Zealanders.

Temporary Retirement Visitor Visas, Refugee Claimant Visitor Visas and Trafficking Child Victim Visitor Visas are also not included in the current change. INZ said paper applications for these visas will continue to be accepted through existing channels until further notice.