Immigration New Zealand to End Paper Applications for Selected Visitor and Transit Visas from Next Month

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that from 1 October 2026, it will stop accepting paper applications for a selected group of visitor and transit visas. From that date, applications for these categories must be submitted through INZ's enhanced Immigration Online system.

The announcement was published by INZ on 4 September 2026 and forms part of a longer-running shift toward digital visa processing. Most visitor visa applications and all transit visa applications can already be submitted online through the enhanced system.

What Is Changing

From 1 October 2026, paper application forms will no longer be accepted for the visa types listed below. Applicants in these categories will need to apply through enhanced Immigration Online instead.

Transit Visa

Visitor Visas:

• Visitor Visa

• Business Visitor Visa

• Group Visitor Visa (including Approved Destination Status)

• Academic Visitor Visa

• Adoption Visitor Visa

• Adoption Pre-citizenship Visitor Visa

• Antarctic Traveller 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

• Tour Escort Visitor Visa

• Visiting Media Visitor Visa

What Happens to Applications Already Submitted

Paper applications submitted before 1 October 2026 will continue to be processed as normal. INZ has confirmed that applicants who have already lodged a paper application do not need to take any further action or resubmit online.

Exceptions

Once the change takes effect, paper application forms for the affected categories will only be accepted where exceptional circumstances apply. Applicants who believe their situation warrants a paper application are advised to contact INZ directly to discuss their case before proceeding.

Visa Categories Not Affected by This Change

A number of visitor visa categories are not included in this update and will, for now, continue to accept applications through all current channels, including paper forms. These include:

• 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

• Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa

• Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa

• Trafficking Child Victim Visitor Visa

• Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa

• Refugee Claimant Visitor Visa

INZ has noted that paper applications for these categories may also be phased out at a later date, though no timeline has been given.

Why INZ Is Making the Change

INZ has stated that moving applications online supports a more efficient and effective processing system and makes it easier for applicants to apply and track their applications. The agency has outlined several benefits of using the enhanced Immigration Online system over paper forms:

• Reduced paperwork, as documents can be uploaded digitally rather than submitted as physical copies

• Real-time updates on application status

• Clearer, guided questions with built-in support to help applicants understand what information is required

• Faster processing, as the online form adapts to individual circumstances and helps applicants submit complete information from the outset

• Reduced risk of errors, including automatic passport data capture through INZ's Identity Document Reader

• Improved visibility of an application's progress from submission through to decision

What Applicants Should Do

Anyone planning to apply for one of the affected visa categories after 1 October 2026 will need to do so through enhanced Immigration Online. Applicants who are unsure whether their visa category is affected, or who need assistance with the online process, can refer to INZ's applying online guidance or contact INZ directly for support.

This article is based on information procured from official sources and public portals. It is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Kindly consult the relevant public authority or an immigration advisor at the Legit Migrant for guidance specific to your circumstances.