Student visas go fully online: key dates and what applicants need to do

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has moved international student visa applications to its enhanced Immigration Online system, ADEPT, and will end paper applications from 18 September 2025. A brief scheduled outage will also affect access to some online forms on Thursday 18 September between 5:00 am and 7:00 am NZST, when certain applications will be unavailable for about 30 minutes.

Why the change

The move is part of Our Future Services, a seven-year programme to deliver a simpler, faster and more transparent visa process. INZ has already shifted other products to the new system, including the Visitor Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa and Permanent Resident Visa. The aim is clearer status updates, more self-service and shorter wait times.

What changed on 18 August 2025

If you are applying for an international student visa, you are now automatically directed to the new online form for these 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

Applications lodged on the old form on or before 17 August will continue to be processed in that system. You can still upload documents and respond to requests until a decision is made.

If you started a draft in the old system but did not submit it, you have until 17 September 2025 to complete and submit it. After that date, all remaining drafts in the old system will be deleted and you will need to start again on the new form.

From 18 September 2025: no more paper forms

From 18 September, INZ will no longer accept paper applications for the six student visa types listed above. All applications must be submitted online using the enhanced Immigration Online system.

Peak season reminder

INZ advises that student visas are currently in a peak period. To avoid delays that could affect course start dates, aim to apply at least three months before you intend to travel.

Quick guide: which situation are you in?

• New applicant? Start directly in the enhanced Immigration Online system.
• Already submitted on the old form? Do nothing; your application will be processed in the old system and you can keep uploading documents there until a decision.
• Draft in the old system? Submit it by 17 September 2025 or begin a new application in the enhanced system.
• Planning to use paper? From 18 September, paper forms will not be accepted for the affected student visas.

Further related family visas will be moved to the new system over the next year as part of the wider programme.

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Important note: Webfit News is not a licensed immigration adviser. This article summarizes information published by Immigration New Zealand for public awareness. For full details and to apply, please refer to INZ’s official announcement and guidance:
Source: Immigration New Zealand – International student visa applications now on enhanced Immigration Online
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/international-student-visa-applications-moving-to-enhanced-immigration-online/