New Zealand is moving closer to a fully digital immigration system as it prepares to phase out paper applications for international student visas. From September 18, 2025, all applications for six categories of student visas will need to be lodged online through Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) upgraded platform, ADEPT.
Transition Timeline
As of today, August 18, INZ has begun automatically directing applicants for the following student visas to the digital system:
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English Language
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Exchange
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Fee-Paying
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Pathway
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New Zealand Government Scholarship
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Foreign Government Supported
Applications submitted on the old platform before August 17 will continue to be processed. However, any draft applications must be finalized and submitted by September 17. After that date, unfinished drafts will be deleted, officially ending hybrid paper-and-online processing.
Why the Change?
This reform is part of Our Future Services, a seven-year modernization plan led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). The goal is to centralize all visa applications on ADEPT, creating a single, user-friendly system.
Launched in 2021, ADEPT already handles visitor, accredited employer work, and permanent resident visas. INZ describes it as the foundation for a “trusted, world-class immigration service” with benefits such as:
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Shorter waiting times
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Clearer updates on application status
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Expanded self-service options for applicants
The Bigger Picture
The timing of this transition is critical. New Zealand is facing peak demand for student visas as international enrollments rebound after the pandemic. INZ is advising students to apply at least three months in advance to avoid processing delays that could disrupt academic start dates.
Education is one of New Zealand’s top export industries, worth around NZ$3.7 billion annually before the pandemic. Restoring smooth visa processing is vital for universities and schools competing globally with Australia, Canada, and the UK.
Beyond Student Visas
The government’s immigration reform push extends beyond student visas. On September 29, New Zealand will also launch the Parent Boost visa, allowing temporary residents to bring parents for long-term stays of up to 10 years. While it does not offer a pathway to permanent residence, it strengthens family ties for skilled migrants.
At the same time, the government has unveiled a new education export strategy, aiming to double the value of international education from NZ$3.6 billion in 2024 to NZ$7.2 billion by 2034. To support this, work restrictions on international students will be loosened, boosting the country’s attractiveness as a study destination.
Final Note
For students, agents, and education providers, the message is clear: from September 18, the ADEPT system is the only way forward for student visa applications. With New Zealand determined to position itself as a leading destination for international students, going digital is the next big step in building a streamlined, future-ready immigration system.