New Zealand International student visa applications moving to enhanced Immigration Online
From August 18th onwards, New Zealand international student visa applications will be processed through Immigration New Zealand’s Enhanced Immigration Online System. If you are an international student applying for a student visa during this time, there are some important things you should be aware of. Mainly about how they’ll manage applications over this transition. Over the next 7 years, New Zealand will transition all visa applications and processing to its upgraded immigration online system, ADEPT. Since the introduction of this policy in 2021, some visa products have already been transferred, including the Accredited Employer Visa, Permanent Resident Visa, and Visitor Visa. The goal is to streamline the visa process, making it simpler, faster, and more user-friendly. This will help reduce waiting times, provide clear updates on application status, and increase self-service options, so every user feels informed and supported. Changes in Student Visa 18th August Onwards Several groups of visa products are being transitioned to the new system individually. The international student visas will be the first transition to be completed by the Future Services Programme. Here is all that you need to know about it (18th August Onwards): 1. You will be redirected automatically to the new application form if you are applying for any of the student visas below Fee-paying student Visa Exchange student Visa Pathway Student Visa English language studies Foreign Government Supported Student Visa NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa 2. If you have already submitted your application before or on 17th August, you won’t have to resubmit, as the old application will be processed. You will have access to your application to be able to upload documents or respond to Immigration New Zealand’s requests until the decision is made and communicated to you. 3. If you have a draft application on the old form not submitted by 17 August, you have until 17 September 2025 to submit it or start a new application on the latest form. 4. Starting September 17, all other draft applications submitted on the old form will be deleted, and you will need to start a new application using the new form. Student Visa Peak Period Since it’s the peak period for student visa applications, RBS requests that you do not wait for the new application form to submit your student visa application. You should still try to apply 3 months before your planned travel date, irrespective of the modification of the forms. Applying 3 months before your planned travel date will help in preventing delays that will affect your ability to begin your study session. Related Visas Shifting to The New System The new system will also include Guardian Visitor Visas starting in August. Meanwhile, other related family visa products will migrate to the new system over the next year, alongside additional products. In the interim, they will continue to be processed under the current system, which includes: Partner of a Student Visitor Visa Partner of a Worker Work Visa Partner of a Student Work Visa Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa Partner of an NZ Scholarship Student Work Visa Child of a Student Visitor Visa Child of a Worker Visitor Visa Dependent Child Student Visa Additional Information about the changes to their Application System Their approach to paper-based applications is still being confirmed. They will share additional information as the change date draws nearer and with clearer guidance, including updating our information sheets and checklists. Ensuring that students who apply for visas have all the information they require to continue offering their services. If you still have any doubts or queries about this newly introduced system, contact RBS Intellect and talk to our study abroad experts. We will provide you with a thorough, detailed insight into the other types of visas that will be transferred to the new system. For more information, you can also check the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Future Services webpage.