Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has stopped accepting new applications for the affected visitor-visa categories through its older online system. The change is part of New Zealand’s wider move towards a single digital visa application system.

What Indian travellers need to know

The change covers a wide range of visitor visas that Indian travellers may use, including the standard Visitor Visa, Business Visitor Visa, Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa and Visiting Media Visitor Visa. It also covers categories such as Academic Visitor, Sports Events Visitor and Guardian Visitor visas. However, some visitor visa categories are not part of this particular change, including visas for partners or children of New Zealand citizens, students, workers and military personnel.

Travellers who have already submitted an application through the old system do not need to apply again. Their applications will continue to be processed, and they can still use the old system to upload documents or respond to requests from INZ until a decision is made.

However, anyone who has only saved a draft in the old system has until October 7 to complete and submit it. From October 8, the relevant old application forms will close and any remaining drafts will be deleted, requiring applicants to start again through the enhanced system.

How the new system works

INZ says the enhanced Immigration Online system is designed to make the application process simpler, with features including online document uploads, application-status updates and clearer guidance while completing forms. The system can also capture passport information using an Identity Document Reader and adapt questions according to an applicant’s circumstances.

For Indian travellers planning holidays, family visits or business trips to New Zealand, the key point is to start a new application on the enhanced Immigration Online platform rather than the old system. The change does not itself alter the eligibility requirements for these visitor visas; it changes where and how most of the applications are submitted.