Most new New Zealand visitor visa applications move to enhanced Immigration Online
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that from 24 September 2026, new applications for most visitor visa categories must be started through enhanced Immigration Online. Applicants will no longer be able to create new applications for the listed visitor visa types in the old online system.
This is an application-platform change. Applicants should still check the official visa page for the visa category they need and follow any current instructions about documents, identity checks, health, character and payment.
Important dates for applicants
- 24 September 2026: New applications for the affected visitor visa categories must be created in enhanced Immigration Online.
- 8 October 2026: Any remaining drafts in the old system for the affected forms will be deleted. An applicant who still needs to apply must start a new application in enhanced Immigration Online.
- Existing submitted applications: These do not need to be resubmitted. INZ says applicants can continue to access submitted old-system applications to upload documents and respond to requests until a decision is made.
Who should check this update
This affects applicants planning a New Zealand visit who have not yet started an application, as well as applicants with an unfinished draft in the older system. It also follows the 24 August 2026 move of Group Visitor Visa and Tour Escort Visitor Visa applications to enhanced Immigration Online.
What to do before applying
- Use the official INZ visa page to confirm the appropriate visitor visa category.
- If you have an unfinished old-system draft, check whether it is affected and complete your next steps before the relevant closure date.
- Keep copies of submitted documents and confirmation records.
- Do not rely on third-party websites for platform or document instructions; verify the current process with Immigration New Zealand before submission.
Official verification
See Immigration New Zealand’s announcement on visitor visa application form changes for the affected visa list and current online-application instructions.