By Atoyebi Nike
New Zealand will phase out paper applications for international student visas next month as the government accelerates its transition to a fully digital immigration system.
From September 18, all applications for six categories of student visas must be submitted online through Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) upgraded ADEPT platform. The affected categories include English Language, Exchange, Fee-Paying, Pathway, New Zealand Government Scholarship, and Foreign Government Supported student visas.
The shift marks a milestone in the country’s seven-year Our Future Services modernization program, led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), which aims to centralize all visa processing on the ADEPT system.
According to INZ, applicants who began their submissions on the old system before August 17 will still be processed, but all draft applications must be completed and lodged by September 17. Any unfinished drafts after that date will be deleted, ending hybrid processing.
Officials say the digital system is intended to reduce waiting times, provide clearer updates, and expand self-service features. Since its launch in 2021, ADEPT has already absorbed major visa categories, including visitor, accredited employer work, and permanent resident visas.
The reform comes as international student enrollments rebound following the pandemic, with New Zealand’s education sector valued at NZ$3.7 billion before border closures in 2020. Authorities have advised students to apply at least three months before travel to avoid delays that could disrupt academic programs.
Beyond digitization, the government is introducing broader measures to strengthen its education and immigration framework. These include a target to double the value of international education to NZ$7.2 billion by 2034, with projected student numbers rising from 83,700 in 2024 to 119,000 in 2034. Work-hour restrictions for students are also expected to be loosened to make the country more competitive with Australia, Canada, and the UK.
In addition, from September 29, New Zealand will roll out the “Parent Boost” visa, allowing temporary residents to bring parents for long-term stays of up to 10 years. The multiple-entry visa permits a five-year stay, renewable for another five years, though it does not provide a pathway to permanent residence.
Education providers and visa agents are being given updated information sheets and checklists to help adapt to the new digital system. INZ describes ADEPT as the foundation for a “trusted, world-class immigration service” capable of supporting New Zealand’s growth as a global education hub.
