New Zealand Student Visas Are Now Online – Apply in 2025

iclegalnz
3 days ago
2 min read

Introduction to the Enhanced Immigration Online System

As of 18 August 2025, all international student visa applications are processed exclusively through Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system, known as ADEPT. This transition marks a significant milestone in the government’s Our Future Services programme, designed to modernize visa services by creating a more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly digital experience for applicants and staff.

The enhanced platform eliminates the reliance on paper-based submissions and old digital forms, ensuring that students applying for New Zealand Student Visas can access faster processing, clearer communication, and improved self-service capabilities.

New Zealand Student Visas Covered in the Online System

From 18 August 2025, students applying for the following New Zealand Student Visa categories are automatically directed to the new application system:

English Language Student Visa
Exchange Student Visa
Fee Paying Student Visa
Pathway Student Visa
New Zealand Government Scholarship Student Visa
Foreign Government Supported Student Visa

This shift standardizes the process for international students, providing a single, streamlined platform for submitting applications, uploading documents, and tracking progress.

Deadlines for Old Applications

Applicants who submitted their forms on or before 17 August 2025 through the previous system do not need to resubmit. Immigration New Zealand will continue processing those applications within the older framework until a decision is reached.

However:

Draft applications in the old system must be completed and submitted by 17 September 2025.
Any drafts not submitted by this date will be deleted.
Paper applications will no longer be accepted after 17 September 2025.

All new applications from this date forward must be completed using the enhanced Immigration Online system.

Transition Timeline: What Students Must Know

The move to ADEPT is structured in phases to minimize disruption.

Transition of Student Visa Applications to ADEPT

2021: Immigration New Zealand launched the enhanced Immigration Online system (ADEPT).
2021: Visitor Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), and Resident Visa were moved to ADEPT.
18 August 2025: International Student Visa categories transitioned to ADEPT.
17 September 2025: Deadline to submit old draft applications. Any drafts not submitted will be deleted.
18 September 2025: Paper applications for New Zealand Student Visas will no longer be accepted.
2026: Family visa products will transition to ADEPT along with other visa categories.

Application Processing During Peak Periods

Immigration New Zealand highlights that the months surrounding university and school intake periods represent peak times for visa submissions. Students are strongly advised to:

Submit applications at least 3 months before travel.
Ensure all supporting documents are uploaded promptly.
Monitor their online accounts for updates and communication.

Delays caused by last-minute submissions could impact a student’s ability to commence studies on time. Check this out: Changes to New Zealand Student Visa Work Rights 2025

What This Means for Families and Related Visas

As part of the wider Our Future Services programme, family-related visa products connected to students will also migrate to the enhanced system in the coming year. This ensures that dependents and guardians applying for visas can benefit from the same streamlined, digital-first experience.

This given blog is already published here