New Zealand will stop accepting paper applications for a selected group of visitor and transit visas from October 1, 2026, as Immigration New Zealand (INZ) moves applications to its enhanced Immigration Online platform.

The change is aimed at making the visa application process more efficient by reducing paperwork and allowing applicants to submit supporting documents digitally. Paper applications submitted before October 1 will continue to be processed as usual.

Visa Categories Moving Online

The new requirement will cover Transit Visas and several visitor visa categories, including:

• General Visitor Visa

• Business Visitor Visa

• Group Visitor Visa, including ADS

• Academic Visitor Visa

• Adoption Visitor Visa

• Guardian Visitor Visa

• Medical Treatment Visitor Visa

• Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa

• Sports Events Visitor Visa

• Visiting Media Visitor Visa

• Tour Escort Visitor Visa

• Super Yachts Visitor Visa

• Private Yacht or Plane Visitor Visa

The change also applies to several other specialised visitor visa categories.

According to INZ, the enhanced Immigration Online system will allow applicants to upload their documents digitally and receive real-time updates on their application status. The platform also provides built-in guidance and adjusts questions based on an applicant’s circumstances. These features are intended to reduce errors, delays and the need to submit physical documents. From October 1, paper forms for the affected visa categories will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. Applicants who believe they need to submit a paper application will have to contact INZ to discuss their situation.

The October 1 change does not apply to certain visitor visa categories. These include visas for partners and children of military personnel, students, workers and New Zealanders. It also excludes Temporary Retirement Visitor Visas, Refugee Claimant Visitor Visas and Trafficking Child Victim Visitor Visas. Paper applications for these categories will continue to be accepted through existing channels until further notice.

The move is part of New Zealand’s wider effort to shift more visa applications and processing to digital platforms, making the process more convenient for travellers while reducing paperwork.