International student visa applications now on enhanced Immigration Online

On 18 August 2025, international student visa applications moved to Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system. If you are applying for an international student visa, there are some important things you need to know.

Immigration New Zealand’s ambition is to provide a trusted, world class immigration service to all our customers and staff. We recently commenced Our Future Services, a long-term work programme building on work already done to move us towards that goal.   

Over the course of the 7-year Our Future Services programme, we will move all visa applications and processing onto our enhanced Immigration Online system, also known as ADEPT. We have already moved several visa products to the new system since it was first introduced in 2021, including Visitor Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa and Permanent Resident Visa. 

Customers and staff are at the heart of the Our Future Services programme. We are aiming to deliver a simpler, faster and more user-friendly visa application process to reduce waiting times, provide clear communication on application status and increase self-service capabilities so everyone feels more informed and better supported.  

Student visa changes from 18 August

Groups of visa products are transitioning to the new system one by one. International student visas were the first transition completed by the Our Future Services programme. 

Our approach to this design focuses on an improved customer experience, ensuring that the process is easy to understand, and you know what is expected of you.  

Here is what you need to know:  

• From 18 August, you will be automatically directed to the new application form if you are applying for one of the following student visa types:  
  • English Language Student Visa
  • Exchange Student Visa  
  • Fee Paying Student Visa  
  • Pathway Student Visa  
  • NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa  
  • Foreign Government Supported Student  Visa 
• All applications that were submitted on the old application form on or before 17 August will be processed. You do not need to resubmit your application if you have already applied. You will have access to your application to upload documents and respond to Immigration New Zealand requests until the application is decided and the decision communicated to you.    
• If you have a draft application on the old application form that you have not yet submitted, you have until 17 September 2025 to complete and submit it, or you can choose to start a new application on the new application form.  
• After 17 September, all remaining draft applications on the old form will be deleted and we will no longer be accepting paper applications. You will have to start a new application on the new form. 
• Further related family visa products will be transitioned to the new system alongside other products over the next year.

You can access your application in our old system here:

Access our old system

Student visa peak

We are currently in a peak period for student visa applications.

You should aim to apply 3 months ahead of your intended travel date as this will help to avoid delays that may impact your ability to start studying.    

Student visa changes from 18 September 

From 18 September 2025, we will no longer accept paper applications for the following student visa types:

• English Language Student Visa
• Exchange Student Visa
• Fee Paying Student Visa
• Pathway Student Visa
• NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa
• Foreign Government Supported Student Visa

All applications for these visas from 18 September must be submitted online. Check our guidance if you need help completing your application online:

Applying online

We are working on updating our information sheets and checklists to ensure those who support students to apply for visas have all the information they need to continue providing their services. 

If you would like to know more about the Our Future Services programme, including when other visa types are likely to move to the new system, you can visit the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Our Future Services page.

Our Future Services — Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment