If you’re planning to apply for a New Zealand visa in 2025, here’s a must-read update: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has officially clarified which visa types must be applied for online and which ones require a paper-based submission.
This June 2025 clarification is important for all visa seekers—whether you’re applying for work, residence, investment, or even humanitarian visas. Submitting your application using the wrong method could lead to processing delays or outright rejection. So, let’s walk you through the latest details to help you apply the right way.
New Zealand Visa Applications That Must Be Submitted Online
INZ now mandates that most visa types must be applied for through their online portal, which allows you to upload documents, passport-style photos, and pay application fees digitally. This online-only rule applies to a wide range of popular visa types.
Here’s the list of visa categories that must be submitted online:
- Active Investor Plus Residence Visa
- Accredited Employer Work Visa
- Second or Subsequent Resident Visa
- Work to Residence Visa
- Permanent Resident Visa (with some exceptions, see below)
- Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
- Transport Work to Residence Visa
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
- Straight to Residence Resident Visa
- Working Holiday Visa (for new applicants only; renewals differ)
- Visitor Visa (for Pacific Islands Forum countries, excluding Australia).
Other visa-related applications that are also required to be completed online include:
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Variation of Travel Conditions on a Resident Visa
This online submission rule is based on New Zealand’s Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 – Regulation 23AA(2). It’s important to stick to the required format or your application may not even be processed.
Visa Applications That Must Be Made on Paper for New Zealand
While the online system covers the majority of visa types, there are specific categories where a paper application is the only accepted method—mostly for humanitarian, refugee, or special residence visas.
Permanent Resident Visa – Paper-Only Exceptions: If you’re applying under the Global Impact Visa category, your application must be submitted using paper forms.
Refugee & Humanitarian Categories – Only Paper Allowed:
You must submit your application on paper if you’re being referred through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or by an approved sponsor. These include the following visa categories:
- UNHCR Legal and Physical Protection Needs
- Refugee Emergency
- CORS Refugee and Protection
- Refugee Quota Family Reunification
- UNHCR Medical/Disabled
- UNHCR Family Reunification
- UNHCR Women at Risk.
These cases often involve special documentation and are processed through different channels for humanitarian protection.
New Policy: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/visas-you-must-apply-for-online-or-on-paper/.