New Zealand Student Visa: Paper Applications Ending — What You Must Know
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Big change is coming for students who want to study in New Zealand. From mid-August/September 2025, Immigration New Zealand has moved international student visa processing to an upgraded online system. This means paper applications for many student visa types will no longer be accepted. If you plan to apply for a New Zealand Student Visa, this article explains what is changing, who it affects, and exactly what you should do next. I’ll keep this simple and clear so it’s easy to follow.
What is changing?
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has put international student visa applications onto its improved Immigration Online platform (sometimes called ADEPT). From the new rollout date, INZ expects applicants to start and submit their applications online. Paper forms for the main student visa categories will be phased out or will not be accepted for new submissions. This affects popular visa types such as English language student visas, exchange student visas, pathway student visas, and scholarship student visas.
Why is New Zealand doing this?
INZ wants to make the visa process faster and clearer. Online systems help reduce lost paperwork and let applicants upload documents directly. They also let applicants get messages from INZ quickly, and make it easier for INZ staff to check information. Over time, going online should make applying simpler and reduce some delays. But when systems change there can be a short period of adjustment, so it is smart to be ready early.
Who is affected?
Anyone applying for a New Zealand Student Visa in the categories moved online must submit through Immigration Online. If you or your education agent used paper forms before, you will need to switch to the online process. If you already submitted a paper application before the cut-off date, INZ has guidance about how those will be handled — but new submissions must be online. Always check the official INZ news pages for the most current details.
Step-by-step: How to prepare (easy checklist)
- Create an Immigration Online account now if you do not have one.
- Scan your passport, letter of offer from the school, academic transcripts, and any police or medical documents. Save them as PDF or clear JPG files.
- Make sure your passport is valid for the whole time you will stay in New Zealand.
- If your course needs police checks or medical exams, arrange these early — they can take several weeks.
- Pay application fees online (card or other online payment). Do not plan on sending cash or cheques.
- Start your application well before your course start date — INZ recommends applying months ahead in busy seasons.
Practical tips while applying online
- Read each question carefully on Immigration Online. The new form gives guidance for many questions.
- Keep good file names for uploads (for example: passport.pdf, offerletter.pdf).
- Check your email and Immigration Online messages often — INZ may ask for more documents.
- If you use an education agent, they can submit online for you, but you should keep copies of everything.
About travel authorisations and short visits
A New Zealand Student Visa is for study. If you also need a short visit permit or to travel in before your study begins, you might deal with the NZeTA system. You can check your NZeTA Visa Status or Submit NZeTA Online separately for short visits or tourist travel. The NZeTA is different from a student visa, but some students may use it if they visit first or arrive before a longer student visa starts.
Common concerns and answers
Will online mean longer waits? Not usually. INZ aims to speed up decisions with better software. But at first, when many people move online, processing could still slow in busy months. That is why applying early is important.
I have poor internet — what can I do? Try to use a school office, agent office, public library, or an internet café. Many providers help international students with scanning and uploading documents.
What if I already filed a paper application? INZ will process paper applications submitted before the cut-off according to their guidance. For new applications after the cut-off, you must use Immigration Online. Check INZ news pages to confirm any deadlines about old paper drafts.
Final advice — make your application smooth
- Start early and have clear scans ready.
- Use your Immigration Online account and check messages daily.
- If you need help, contact your education provider’s international office or a trusted agent.
- Keep track of related checks like NZeTA if you plan short visits before study.