23 September 2022 at 9:05 am
Important update: passport requirements for temporary visa applicants offshore
Most students applying for a student visa with New Zealand from offshore no longer need to send their physical passport to a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for scanning, reducing postage delays and costs for students.
Immigration New Zealand has announced a change to passport requirements that affect a number of temporary visa applicants offshore. This change is in effect now.
The change means that people applying from offshore for a student, visitor or work temporary visa only need to send Immigration New Zealand a high-quality scan of their passport, not a physical copy.
An Immigration Officer may still ask for a physical passport if they consider it necessary for the application. This will be on a case-by-case basis.
This is a temporary measure to help with visa processing. People applying for a student visa or group visitor visa through the Immigration Online form will currently receive an automated letter asking for a physical passport to be submitted. This is not required, and Immigration New Zealand is working to update the letter to reflect the change in requirements.
Visit Immigration New Zealand to learn more about passport requirements.
