New Zealand Moves Most Visitor Visa Applications to Enhanced Online System from September 24
- Xavi
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
WELLINGTON, August 11, 2026 — Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that from September 24, 2026, new applications for most visitor visas will be available exclusively through its enhanced Immigration Online system, marking the final phase of a multi-year digital transformation.
The move will close the old online system for a wide range of visitor visa types, with remaining draft applications deleted from October 8, 2026.
Key Dates for the Transition
Date | What Happens |
August 24, 2026 | Group Visitor Visa and Tour Escort Visitor Visa applications move to enhanced Immigration Online |
September 24, 2026 | Most visitor visa applications become available exclusively through enhanced Immigration Online; new applications can no longer be created in the old system |
October 8, 2026 | Old system closes for specified visitor visa forms; remaining draft applications are deleted |
Important: Existing draft applications can still be completed and submitted through the old system until the October 8 deadline. Already submitted applications will continue to be processed as normal.
Visitor Visa Forms Moving to Enhanced System
From September 24, 2026, the following visitor visa types will only be available through enhanced Immigration Online:
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 (paper only)
Visiting Media Visitor Visa
Visa Types Already Transitioned (From August 24, 2026)
The following visitor visas moved to enhanced Immigration Online from August 24, 2026:
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Group Visitor Visa
Group Visitor Visa — substituting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and FAO (Foreign Affairs Official) in the updated system
Tour Escort Visitor Visa
Visitor Visas NOT Affected by This Change
The following visas were transitioned to the enhanced system in June 2026 and are already prioritised for assessment through the new platform:
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
Note: Applications submitted through the enhanced system will be prioritised for assessment, reflecting INZ's focus on actively managing applications through the new system.
Visas Remaining in the Old System (For Now)
The following visa types 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
Related News
Official Resources
Resource | Link |
Apply Online | |
Group Visitor Visa | |
Tour Escort Visitor Visa |
For the latest visa updates, immigration policy changes, and 2026 developments worldwide, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/category/new-zealand
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