Update from Immigration NZ

Improving how Immigration New Zealand processes Student Visa applications

You may be aware that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will move student visa applications onto its enhanced Immigration Online platform in the second half of 2025.  

As part of this work, INZ is designing ways to improve the experience of applicants by:  

• making it clearer which type of student visa to apply for  
• improving information on the evidence requirements (especially financial evidence and demonstrating genuine, or bona fide intentions) and  
• improving visibility of the progress of applications.   

After initial designs are developed, INZ will test these with a group of students and nominees from education provider peak bodies that include:  

• Universities New Zealand  
• Te Pūkenga  
• Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA)  
• Independent Schools NZ (ISNZ)  
• Independent Tertiary Education New Zealand (ITENZ)  
• Quality Tertiary Institutions (QTI)  
• English New Zealand (Private and University English Language Colleges)  

This work is centred around ways customers apply for student visas, and how INZ processes these. Substantive policy change is not part of this work.  

INZ's focus is on implementing key improvements for students and the sector and ensuring a successful transition to its enhanced Immigration Online platform.