Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has confirmed that from 1 June 2026, several family of temporary visa holder applications will move to its enhanced Immigration Online system. This is part of INZ’s wider “Our Future Services” programme aimed at modernising the visa application process and improving the overall customer experience.

If you are planning to apply for a visa as the partner or child of a temporary visa holder in New Zealand, these changes may affect how and where you submit your application.

What Is Changing on 1 June 2026?
From 1 June 2026, new applications for the following visa categories will automatically be directed through the enhanced Immigration Online platform:

Student Visas

• Dependent Child Student Visa

Work Visas

• Partner of a Worker Work Visa
• Partner of Military Work Visa
• Partner of a Student Work Visa
• Partner of an NZ Scholarship Student Work Visa

Visitor Visas

• Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa
• Child of a Worker Visitor Visa
• Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
• Child of a Student Visitor Visa
• Partner of Military Visitor Visa
• Child of Military Visitor Visa

According to INZ, applications already submitted in the old system will continue to be processed as normal.

What Happens if You Already Started an Application?
If you currently have a draft application saved in the old Immigration Online system, you will generally have 2 options:

• Complete and submit the existing draft in the old system, or
• Start a brand-new application in the enhanced Immigration Online platform.

INZ also confirmed that the old application form will eventually close once all related visa categories have been transitioned into the enhanced system. Applicants with draft applications are expected to be contacted before closure occurs.

Why Is INZ Making These Changes?
INZ states that the goal of the enhanced Immigration Online system is to create a simpler, faster, and more user-friendly visa application experience.
Some of the intended improvements include:

• Clearer guidance throughout the application process
• Reduced processing delays caused by missing information
• Better communication regarding application status
• Improved self-service functionality
• Dynamic forms tailored to the applicant’s circumstances

One major improvement will be the introduction of Identity Document Reader (IDR) technology. This allows passport information to be scanned directly into the application form, reducing manual entry mistakes and minimising delays caused by simple errors.

Dynamic Application Forms and Additional Guidance
INZ acknowledged that many applicants are unsure which visa category is the correct one for their circumstances. To address this, the enhanced system will include:

• Improved visa definitions
• Better “Before You Start” guidance
• More detailed instructions during the application process
• Application questions tailored to the individual applicant

The new dynamic forms are designed to request only the information relevant to each applicant’s situation. INZ hopes this will reduce incomplete applications and minimise requests for further information, which often delay processing.

Will Paper Applications Still Be Accepted?
INZ stated that it may reconsider paper-based applications for these visa categories as part of the transition process. However, no final decision has been announced yet. Further updates are expected closer to the transition date.

Our Thoughts on the Changes
From our experience assisting with partnership-based and family-related visa applications, clearer guidance and smarter online forms could help reduce common mistakes that often lead to delays or requests for additional information. However, applicants should still take care to ensure:

• The correct visa category is selected
• Supporting evidence is properly organised
• Relationship evidence is comprehensive where applicable
• Information provided is consistent across all documents and forms

Even with an improved online system, the quality of the application itself remains critical.

Need Help With a Family Visa Application?
At Immigration Trust, we regularly assist with:

• Partner visas
• Dependent child visas
• Visitor visas
• Student visas
• Complex family-based immigration matters

You may book a consultation here:

• NZ-based appointments
• Overseas appointments

Disclaimer: Immigration Trust is not Immigration New Zealand. This article is provided for general public information purposes only and should not be treated as immigration advice for your specific situation.

From 20 April 2026, changes to open work visa conditions in New Zealand have come into effect. These updates clarify what type of work visa holders can do and aim to better align visa conditions with immigration rules. If you currently hold, or are planning to apply for, an open work visa, it is important to understand how these changes may affect you.

What Has Changed?
Open work visas will now include one of two employment conditions:
1. Full Work Rights (Including Self-Employment)
Some visa holders will be allowed to:

• Work for any employer
• Be self-employed
• Operate as a sole trader
• Own or run a business

This provides greater flexibility for those whose visa category supports independent or business-related work.

2. Work for an Employer Only
Other visa holders will be restricted to:

• Working for any employer
• Under an employment agreement or contract for services

This means:

• No self-employment
• No running or owning a business

This condition ensures that the visa aligns with categories intended for employment rather than business activity.

Why These Changes Were Introduced
The updated conditions aim to:

• Align visa conditions with the intent of each visa category
• Reflect the legal definitions of employer and employee under immigration rules
• Reduce confusion and prevent accidental breaches of visa conditions

By clearly defining what type of work is allowed, visa holders can better understand their obligations and avoid compliance issues.

Important Restrictions Still Apply
Regardless of which condition applies, open work visa holders must not:

• Employ other people (directly or through a business they operate)
• Provide sexual services
• Operate or invest in a business related to prostitution

These restrictions remain strictly enforced under immigration policy.

What This Means for Current Visa Holders
If you already hold an open work visa:

• Your visa conditions may now clearly state which type of work you are allowed to do
• It is important to check your visa details carefully
• Engaging in work outside your conditions could lead to compliance issues

Final Thoughts
These changes bring more clarity but also introduce stricter boundaries depending on your visa type. Understanding your specific conditions is essential to avoid unintentional breaches.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. We are not Immigration New Zealand, but we share updates like this as part of our public service.

Need Help Understanding Your Visa Conditions?
If you are unsure how these changes affect your situation or need help with your visa, you can book a consultation with our team by clicking on the below button.

New Zealand has introduced updates to the health insurance requirements for the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV), effective 19 April 2026. These changes aim to simplify compliance for both migrants and employers while aligning requirements with real insurance products available in the market.

What Has Changed?
The updated rules make health insurance requirements more practical and realistic. Previously, some requirements did not reflect what insurers in New Zealand actually offer.
Key updates include:

• Repatriation of remains is no longer required in any circumstance
• Insurance policies may now exclude certain conditions, including:
  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Pregnancy and childbirth (with limited exceptions)
  • HIV-related illnesses
  • Death related to suicide (including repatriation costs)
  • Incidents involving alcohol or non-prescribed drugs

These changes bring PSV requirements closer to those already used under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

Why These Changes Were Introduced
Migrants on a Peak Seasonal Visa are not eligible for publicly funded healthcare in New Zealand. This makes private health insurance essential, particularly for employment lasting more than three months.
However, the previous requirements created issues:

• Some required coverage (such as full repatriation) was not available in standard insurance policies
• Migrants struggled to find compliant insurance
• Employers faced delays and uncertainty when supporting visa applications

By aligning requirements with real insurance offerings, the process becomes more straightforward and efficient.

What Happens to Existing Applications?
If a PSV application was submitted before 19 April 2026, it will not be negatively affected.

• Applications already in progress will be assessed under transitional arrangements
• They may be considered using the updated insurance requirements
• This helps avoid unnecessary delays in processing

What This Means for Employers and Migrants
Importantly, the Peak Seasonal Visa itself remains unchanged.

• Migrants can still work in eligible roles for up to 7 months
• Employers can continue to rely on PSV workers to meet seasonal labour demands

The main benefit of these updates is clarity:

• Easier access to compliant insurance for migrants
• Greater certainty for employers supporting applications
• Fewer delays caused by mismatched insurance requirements

Final Thoughts
These changes are a practical improvement to the PSV framework. By removing unrealistic insurance expectations and aligning with actual market offerings, New Zealand has made the visa process more efficient without reducing essential protections.

Need Help with a Peak Seasonal Visa Application?
If you require assistance with a PSV application or understanding updated visa requirements, you can book a consultation with our team.