New Zealand to End Paper Visa Applications by 2026

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that effective October 1, 2026, it will no longer accept paper applications for various visitor and transit visa types, urging applicants to utilize its enhanced Immigration Online system. This change is part of a gradual transition that has been ongoing for several years, during which most visitor and all transit visa applications have already moved online.

The agency aims to streamline the application process and enhance efficiency. Applicants who submitted paper forms before the deadline will not need to take any action, as those applications will be processed normally.

However, 11 specific visa categories will continue to accept paper applications until further notice. These categories include Partner of Military Visitor Visa, Child of Military Visitor Visa, Partner of a Student Visitor Visa, and others.

INZ indicated that paper applications for these categories could eventually be phased out, with prior notice given before any changes are implemented.