Applying for visas online

The new system, Immigration ONLINE (also known by its project name as the Immigration Global Management System or IGMS), enables a student to first create a profile and an account that’s unique to them, and then answer questions or provide information to make a visa application in the following tabs: Identity > Contact Details > Study Details > Financial Support > Health Details > Character Details > Education & Work History > Other details.

A student is then able to upload documents relevant to their application, pay online, declare what they have provided is accurate and true and then submit their application.

Behind the scenes, the online application process is ‘situationally aware’, only serving up questions relevant to the user. For example male applicants won’t be asked any health questions relating to pregnancy.

There’s also the ability to answer questions via drop-down lists; populate qualifications-related fields with information driven by New Zealand Qualifications Authority data; and auto save as you go - so you can come back and finish the application later.

Further functionality includes contextual ‘help’ information if users need more information about a specific question, and alerts to prompt the user to complete any missed mandatory information.

Applicants can upload their photo which will be run through the new face biometric matching engine in Immigration ONLINE.

The online application will result in more complete applications being submitted, removing some of the issues experienced with paper based forms, such as unanswered questions or missing supporting documents.

From the INZ side, Immigration Officers will be able to see the online application and supporting documents on AMS and the new Document Management System. If further information is required, the Immigration Officer can email the applicant and request the information. The applicant then returns to their account and uploads what’s been requested.

People who are unable to apply online will still be able to apply via a Visa Application Centre or by mail onshore.

INZ’s next step will be to demonstrate the student visa online application to a representative set of end users building on feedback already received.  The goal for these sessions will be to verify usability and seek feedback on surrounding business processes.

While the online student visa application service was scheduled to go live in late-2013, it will now be rolled out in 2014 (exact timing to be confirmed) so the system can be further tested and refined to ensure the end product is highly secure, robust and effective.

For further information, please read the frequently asked questions for education providers here.