Update from INZ - 11 October 2021

From late 2021, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will start delivering enhancements to its Immigration Online system. This paperless visa processing technology will make applying for a visa easier and improve processing times.

Visas transitioning from late 2021
The first visa products to move onto the enhanced system are:

• Visitor Visas (by the end of 2021) ​
• Student Visas (first half of 2022).

We are monitoring external events that may affect this timing, such as changes to COVID-19 alert levels.
Note: Enhancements to INZ’s visa processing technology do not signal when the border will reopen to foreign travellers. Temporary visa applications from outside New Zealand or a quarantine-free travel zone are currently suspended due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
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What's changing

• Applicants are told what evidence they need to submit at the time of application
• Online dashboard shows application status in real-time
• Email notifications sent to applicants when they need to take action
• Medical certificates are requested, if needed, after an application is made
• Immigration New Zealand staff from any location can undertake processing tasks for an application
• Time is saved through administrative processing tasks becoming automated
• More efficient processing will mean quicker decisions for most applications in the future.​

More Information