New Zealand Student Visas Going Digital from 18 August 2025
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has just announced a major update that will impact all international student visa applicants: starting 18 August 2025, applications for student visas will shift to a new and improved online platform — the enhanced Immigration Online system, also known as ADEPT.
If you’re planning to apply for a student visa to study in New Zealand — whether it’s for English language courses, exchange programs, a pathway program, or under a scholarship — read this carefully. There are important transition details you need to be aware of.
What’s Changing?
From 18 August 2025, the following student visa categories will move to the new online system:
- English Language Studies Student Visa
- Exchange Student Visa
- Fee-Paying Student Visa
- Pathway Student Visa
- New Zealand Government Scholarship Student Visa
- Foreign Government Supported Student Visa
You will be automatically directed to the new application form when you apply from this date onward.
Already Started or Submitted a Visa Application?
- Applications submitted on or before 17 August 2025 via the old application form will still be processed. No need to resubmit.
- You can continue uploading documents and replying to INZ queries until a decision is made.
- Draft applications not submitted by 17 August? You have until 17 September 2025 to complete and submit them.
- After 17 September 2025, any remaining draft applications in the old system will be deleted — requiring you to start fresh in the new system.
INZ Urges: Apply Now — Don’t Wait!
Due to the ongoing peak student visa season, INZ recommends that students do not delay their applications while waiting for the new form. Regardless of the system transition, apply at least 3 months before your planned travel date to avoid delays in starting your studies.
Guardian and Family Visas: What’s Next?
Also moving to the new system in August:
-
Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa
The following related family visa categories will remain in the current system for now, with future updates expected in 2026:
- Partner of a Scholarship Student Work Visa
- Partner of a Student (Visitor & Work) Visas
- Partner of a Worker (Visitor & Work) Visas
- Dependent Child Student Visa
- Child of a Student or Worker (Visitor) Visas.
What About Paper Applications?
No changes yet. INZ is still reviewing how to handle paper-based applications, and the current paper process remains valid until further notice.
Why This Matters?
This move is part of the 7-year “Our Future Services” transformation program by Immigration New Zealand, aiming to create a simpler, faster, and more transparent visa experience for students and their families. With the new ADEPT system, expect:
- Clear application progress updates
- Faster processing times
- Easier document uploads
- More self-service control over your visa journey.
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