New Zealand Student Visas Go Fully Digital; What Indian Students Need To Know

International students can now apply for a student visa to New Zealand in a different way. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that its upgraded digital platform, Immigration Online, known as ADEPT, will handle all student visa applications.

The new system, launched this week, aims to accelerate decisions, minimize paperwork, and offer a more accessible user experience for applicants. Beginning on August 18, students will be automatically redirected to the updated online form when applying for visas such as the Foreign Government Supported Student Visa, Fee Paying Student Visa, English Language Student Visa, Exchange Student Visa, Pathway Student Visa, and New Zealand Government Scholarship Student Visa.

Applications submitted prior to August 17 via the previous platform will still be handled. However, students who have saved draft applications in the old system must submit them by September 17, after which all drafts will be deleted. Starting September 18, INZ will no longer accept paper applications for student visa categories.

This transition is part of a wider, seven-year initiative called Our Future Services, which aims to shift all visa categories into a single digital platform. Numerous visa categories, such as Visitor Visas, Accredited Employer Work Visas, and Permanent Resident Visas, have already made use of the updated system since its launch in 2021.

In order to decrease waiting times, give clear communication on application status, and enhance self-service capabilities so that everyone feels more informed and supported, INZ said in a statement that it is working to create a simpler, faster, and more user-friendly visa application process.

The agency also reminded students that visa processing is currently at itsbusiest, advising them to apply at least three months before their intended travel date to avoid delays. As part of the gradual rollout, family-related visa goods linked to student visas are also anticipated to transition to the new system during the upcoming year.

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