This is an important update to read if you want to apply for a New Zealand visa in 2025: Officially, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has made it clear which visa categories need to be filed for online and which ones need to be submitted on paper.
All visa applicants, whether they are looking for work, residency, investment, or even humanitarian visas, should take note of this June 2025 clarification. Using the incorrect method to submit your application may result in processing delays or rejection. Let’s go over the most recent information so you can apply correctly.
New Zealand Visa Applications That Must Be Submitted Online
The majority of visa categories must now be applied for online through INZ’s portal, which enables you to upload supporting documentation, take passport-style pictures, and electronically pay application fees. Numerous well-known visa categories are covered by this online-only restriction.
The list of visa categories that require online submission is as follows:
- Active Investor Plus Residence Visa
- Accredited Employer Work Visa
- Second or Subsequent Resident Visa
- Work to Residence Visa
- Permanent Resident Visa (with some exceptions, see below)
- Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
- Transport Work to Residence Visa
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
- Straight to Residence Resident Visa
- Working Holiday Visa (for new applicants only; renewals differ)
- Visitor Visa (for Pacific Islands Forum countries, excluding Australia).
The following additional visa-related applications must also be filled out online:
Variation of Travel Conditions on a Resident Visa
The Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 in New Zealand, specifically Regulation 23AA(2), serve as the foundation for this online submission rule. Your application might not even be processed if you don’t follow the format requirements.
Read Also: New Zealand Working Holiday VISA Application Process
Visa Applications That Must Be Made on Paper for New Zealand
Although most visa categories are covered by the internet system, several categories—mostly humanitarian, refugee, or special resident visas—only accept paper applications.
Paper-Only Exceptions for Permanent Resident Visas: If you are applying for a Global Impact Visa, you will need to use paper forms.
Refugee & Humanitarian Categories – Only Paper Allowed:
If you are being referred by an authorized sponsor or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), you will need to submit your application on paper. The following visa categories are among them:
- UNHCR Legal and Physical Protection Needs
- Refugee Emergency
- CORS Refugee and Protection
- Refugee Quota Family Reunification
- UNHCR Medical/Disabled
- UNHCR Family Reunification
- UNHCR Women at Risk.
New Policy: https://www.immigration.govt.nz
Conclusion
It’s imperative that you adhere to the most recent application criteria released by Immigration New Zealand if you intend to apply for a New Zealand visa in 2025. While some refugee and humanitarian visas require paper submissions, the majority of visas, including those for work, residence, and visitors, must now be applied for online. Adhering to the proper procedure can help guarantee that your application is processed smoothly and avoid expensive delays or rejections. To maintain compliance and prevent delays, always confirm your visa category and choose the appropriate submission method.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest update regarding New Zealand visa applications
In June 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) provided clarification on which visa categories require paper submissions and which must be submitted electronically. The wrong approach could result in rejection or delays.
Are there any visa applications that still require paper submission?
Yes, mostly humanitarian and refugee categories, including
UNHCR-sponsored visas
Refugee Emergency
CORS Refugee and Protection
Global Impact Visa (under Permanent Resident category)
