Starting September 18, New Zealand will fully transition international student visa applications to its digital platform, ADEPT, as part of a broader move toward a modernized, fully online immigration system.
From that date, all applications for six student visa categories—English Language, Exchange, Fee-Paying, Pathway, New Zealand Government Scholarship, and Foreign Government Supported—must be submitted online through Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) upgraded ADEPT platform.
This change follows a key milestone on August 18 (today), when INZ began automatically directing applicants in these categories to the digital system.
Applications submitted on the old platform before August 17 will continue to be processed, draft applications must be completed and submitted by September 17. After that, all incomplete drafts will be deleted, marking the end of hybrid (paper and digital) processing.
This shift is part of “Our Future Services”, a seven-year modernization initiative led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), which has been gradually moving visa services to ADEPT since its launch in 2021. The platform already supports visitor, accredited employer work, and permanent resident visas.
According to INZ, ADEPT is designed to streamline operations, reduce processing times, offer clearer communication, and expand self-service features for applicants. The agency is also updating its guidance materials to help education providers and visa agents navigate the transition.
New Zealand is currently experiencing peak demand for student visas, with international enrollments rebounding post-pandemic. INZ advises students to apply at least three months before their planned travel to avoid delays that could impact academic start dates.
International education is a vital export industry, previously generating around NZ$3.7 billion annually before COVID-19 border closures. Restoring efficient visa processing is seen as essential for New Zealand to remain competitive with Australia, Canada, and the UK in attracting international students.
