Update from Immigration New Zealand

New Immigration New Zealand website now live

The new Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website is now live, with clearer information and guidance to help INZ customers navigate their immigration journey more easily.

The new visual design and structure makes it easier for customers to know what the visa process means for them and how to apply for a visa and comply with their visa conditions.

Visit the new INZ website.

Apply early to get ahead of the student visa peak

Applying for a student visa at least three months before intended travel date gives students the best chance to have a decision made in time for their study. 

The processing of student visas is a priority for INZ, particularly as it gets closer to peak times.

Immigration New Zealand is in the mid-year student visa processing peak, which is between May and August each year.

Applications take longer to be decided during this peak period, so it is important that students apply early if they want to come to New Zealand to study. 

Wait times for international student visa applications are published in our visa wait times section. 

Student visa wait times

Help us process applications faster

To help INZ process applications quicker and avoid unnecessary delays, students should provide full and complete applications, including all necessary documentation.

 Students can use our student visa information sheets to make sure their application has all the information and documentation required.

Student visa information sheet – first-time international students

Student visa information sheet – continuing international students

If students apply late, their application may not be processed in time for their study in New Zealand. 

Due to the high volume of visa applications expected, we will not contact students if documents are missing from their application. If the missing information is key to the assessment, then the application may be declined.   

 

Student visas moving to enhanced Immigration Online

From 18 August 2025, international student visa applications are moving to Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system. 

The aim is a simpler, faster and more user-friendly visa application process to reduce waiting times, provide clear communication on application statuses, and increase self-service capabilities so everyone feels more informed and better supported.

How applications during this transition will be managed

As we are in a peak period for student visa applications, we encourage applicants to submit applications when they are ready, and at least 3 months ahead of the intended travel date to help avoid delays that may impact them starting their study on time.

There are some important things applicants need to know if they are submitting an international student visa application around August 2025.

If applicants start a new draft application on or before 17 August, they will be applying in our current system. They will need to submit the application by 17 September, otherwise the draft application will expire.

If they start an application on or after 18 August, they will be automatically directed to our new system.

Please read our news item for more detailed information on the visas affected and the transition process. 

Learn more