NZ Ditches Paper Visas as Immigration Goes Digital
New Zealand is set to make significant changes to its visa application process from October 1, 2026. The government will no longer accept paper applications for certain visitor and transit visas, forcing applicants to use the enhanced Immigration Online system instead.
The affected categories include general visitor visas, business visitor visas, group visitor visas, academic visitor visas, adoption visitor visas, and several others. These changes aim to reduce paperwork and limit errors associated with visa applications.
Applicants will be required to upload supporting documents electronically through the online system, which also provides real-time updates on application progress. The digital process is intended to streamline the application process and reduce the need for physical documents.
Paper applications will still be accepted in exceptional circumstances or for specific visa categories that are excluded from the change. These categories include visas for partners and children of military personnel, students, workers, and New Zealanders.