New Zealand announces ‘important’ visitor visa rules: Over 20 visas to be impacted — Check details here

The New Zealand immigration department announced a key change in the visitor visa application form earlier this week. It said that new applications will be available exclusively through Immigration New Zealand's (INZ) enhanced Immigration Online system starting September 24, 2026. At the same time, the government issued an advisory for those using the old system for visitor visa applications.The move is part of New Zealand's broader plan to shift visa services to a single digital platform and streamline the application process for both applicants and immigration officials."From 24 September 2026, new applications for most visitor visas will be available exclusively through Immigration New Zealand's (INZ) enhanced Immigration Online system," the statement released on August 11 read.It noted that many visitor visa products moved to enhanced Immigration Online since the system was first introduced in 2021. "Over time, we have progressively moved more visas onto the enhanced system and with the transition of Group and Tour Escort visitor visa applications from 24 August 2026, most visitor visas will then be available through enhanced Immigration Online," it added.The New Zealand government said that enhanced Immigration Online "is our preferred system for receiving visitor visa applications," and that they are closing some visitor visa application forms in old online system, "allowing us to focus on delivering a more efficient and effective visa application process for both customers and staff."The New Zealand government issued key updates for those currently using the old system for visitor visa applications. Here are some important things they need to know:Key datesFrom September, 24, 2026: You will no longer be able to create new applications for these visas in the old system. New applications for these visa types must be submitted through enhanced Immigration Online.Existing draft applications can still be completed and submitted through the old system. You do not need to resubmit an application if you have already submitted it. "We will be actively contacting draft application holders," the government added.From October 8, 2026: The specified list of application forms will close in the old system, and any remaining draft applications will be deleted. You will need to start a new application in enhanced Immigration Online if you still wish to apply.You will continue to have access to your submitted applications in the old system to upload documents and respond to requests from Immigration New Zealand until the application is decided and the decision is communicated to you.It clarified that applications submitted through the enhanced system will be prioritised for assessment.August 24, 2026: These visas will be available in enhanced Immigration Online from August 24, 2026:1. Approved Destination Status (ADS) Group Visitor Visa2. Group Visitor Visa — replacing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and FAO (Foreign Affairs Official) in the enhanced system3. Tour Escort Visitor VisaVisitor Visas to be affected by this change1. Business Visitor Visa2. Academic Visitor Visa3. Arts and Music Festival Visitor Visa4. Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa5. Crew joining a Ship or Plane Visitor Visa6. Dismissed Worker Visitor Visa7. Escort of Medical Patients Visitor Visa8. German Law Student Visitor Visa9. Guardian Visitor Visa10. Medical Treatment Visitor Visa11. Occupational Registration Visitor Visa12. Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa13. Pitcairn Islander Visitor Visa14. Private Yacht or Plane Visitor Visa15. Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa16. Sports Events Visitor Visa17. Super Yachts Visitor Visa18. Trafficking Child Victim Visitor Visa (applications for this visa will be paper only)19. Visiting Media Visitor VisaVisitor visas not affected by this changeNo changes will be made to the following list of visitor visa application forms. These will remain available in the old system until they are tr