Upcoming: Immigration New Zealand is transitioning visitor visa applications to enhanced Immigration Online, with platform transition deadlines on 24 September and 8 October 2026.
Most new visitor visa applications will move to enhanced Immigration Online starting 24 September 2026. Existing draft applications in the old portal can be submitted until 8 October 2026 before remaining drafts are deleted.
What this means in practice
Immigration New Zealand is transitioning visitor visa submissions away from its legacy online platform. Starting 24 September 2026, new visitor visa applications can no longer be initiated in the old system, and applicants holding existing draft records must lodge their submissions by 8 October 2026.
On 8 October 2026, legacy application forms close permanently and unsubmitted drafts are removed. Applications successfully submitted through the old portal prior to this deadline remain accessible for document uploads and responses to INZ requests until a final decision is reached. Partner and Child of a New Zealander visitor visa applications remain temporarily in the old system.
Who should check this
This operational update applies to individual travellers, families, and immigration advisers holding unsubmitted visitor visa drafts or planning new visitor applications.
Practical checklist
- Audit online accounts for any unsubmitted visitor visa draft applications in the legacy portal.
- Complete and lodge legacy drafts prior to the 8 October 2026 deadline to avoid deletion.
- Initiate new visitor visa applications in enhanced Immigration Online from 24 September 2026 onward.
- Monitor and upload requested documents for any already-submitted legacy applications.
- Note that Partner and Child of a New Zealander visitor visas remain temporarily in the old platform.
Important limits or current position
This platform migration governs application submission portals only and does not alter underlying visitor visa eligibility criteria, financial requirements, or evidentiary thresholds. Visa decisions and processing schedules remain determined by Immigration New Zealand.
Not sure whether this update affects your plan? Start your NZ visa assessment
This article is general information, not individual immigration advice.
Source note: Based on the official Immigration New Zealand announcement published 11 August 2026 [1].
[1] Immigration New Zealand, Important visitor visa application form changes, published 11 August 2026, Open source on immigration.govt.nz ↗ [Status: Upcoming].