NZIO

24/09/2026

🇳🇿 New minimum age for partnership-based visas

From 25 September 2026, both the visa applicant and supporting partner must be 18 or older when applying for a dedicated partnership-based visa.

⚠️ Relationship evidence must also be from a period after both partners turned 18.

The changes apply to partnership-based visitor, work and residence visas, as well as Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visas.

🔗 More information: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/new-age-and-evidence-requirements-for-some-partnership-based-visas/

17/09/2026

🎓 Planning to study abroad? Apply for your student visa early!

Student visa applications are submitted in high numbers throughout the year, so timing matters. ⏰

To give yourself the best chance of receiving your visa before your course starts, we recommend applying at least 3 months before your studies begin — or even earlier if all your documents are ready.

🌏 This is especially important for applicants from India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, where high application volumes and more complex cases can mean longer processing times.

⚠️ Applying late or submitting an incomplete application could mean your visa isn’t decided in time for you to travel or start your studies.

📅 Don’t leave your student visa until the last minute. Start preparing early and make sure your application is complete before submitting.

📢 Planning to study in New Zealand in 2027?

Apply for your student visa at least three months before your intended travel date to avoid delays and give yourself the best chance of a smooth arrival and start to your studies.

Applying early means less stress later - especially before the summer holidays and busy processing season kicks in.

✅ Skip the last-minute rush
✅ Get your plans locked in
✅ Be ready to start your Kiwi adventure

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/apply-early-and-be-ready-tips-for-a-smooth-student-visa-application/

10/09/2026

10/09/2026

🇳🇿 Immigration New Zealand Update

From 16 November 2026, Post Study Work Visa and new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa applications can be submitted through enhanced Immigration Online.

INZ will stop accepting paper Post Study Work Visa applications from the same date.

Check your eligibility and application deadlines with us.

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/post-study-work-visa-eligibility-extended-from-16-november-2026/

We have established a priority phone line from Monday to Friday for people to contact us about this specific situation. Call 0508 558 855 (toll free from NZ landlines) or +64 9 914 4100 and press option 7. For information about what options are available to you, check:

07/09/2026

📢 Important visa update

From 1 October 2026, paper applications will no longer be accepted for selected visitor and transit visas.

Applications for these visas will need to be submitted online through the enhanced Immigration Online system.

Applications lodged before 1 October 2026 will continue to be processed as normal.

If you currently use paper application forms for visitor or transit visas, make sure you check the new requirements before applying.

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-use-of-paper-applications-for-some-visitor-and-transit-visas/

We have established a priority phone line from Monday to Friday for people to contact us about this specific situation. Call 0508 558 855 (toll free from NZ landlines) or +64 9 914 4100 and press option 7. For information about what options are available to you, check:

04/08/2026

📢 New Zealand resident visa update

From 3 August 2026, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are no longer automatically treated as high-cost health conditions for New Zealand resident visa applications. Instead, each case will be assessed on its individual medical circumstances.

This is a positive change for many prospective residents.

Read the official announcement here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/hepatitis-b-and-c-removed-from-resident-visa-high-cost-health-conditions-list/?utm_source=Immigration%20New%20Zealand&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=CO420_ChangesToHighCostInstructions_05Aug2026&utm_content=btn

Send a message to learn more

19/04/2026

📣From today, open work visas will now have one of two conditions:

✅Some allow any work, including self‑employment.
✅Others require work for an employer.

The changes support clear and consistent visa conditions to support safer, fairer, and more compliant work practices for both migrants and employers. On any open work visa, visa holders cannot employ other people.

👉Visit the INZ website for more details: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-employment-conditions-for-open-work-visa-holders/

18/03/2026

🛂✨ Border Patrol NZ is back Tuesday 24 March! ✨🛂

Series 15 lands with 12 brand new episodes, following Immigration New Zealand Border officers on the frontline, working alongside our colleagues at New Zealand Customs, and Ministry for Primary Industries, to keep our border safe.

🎬 Fun fact: Border Patrol is one of the longest running border TV series, having been on our screens for over two decades.

📺 Tune in 7.30pm Tuesdays on TV One and TVNZ OnDemand - you won’t want to miss this.

👉 Read more about the behind the scenes of Border Patrol:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/border-patrol-15-seasons-of-protecting-new-zealands-border/

11/03/2026

From 1 June 2026, it will be easier and more affordable for Pacific visitors to reconnect with whānau, attend important events, and strengthen community ties in New Zealand.

For a 12‑month period, visitor visa fees for eligible Pacific nations will drop - lowering the total cost of a Visitor Visa down to $161 from $216 (including the standard immigration levy of $41). For comparison, the total visitor visa cost for other visa‑required nationalities is $441.

This fee reduction only applies to individuals applying outside of New Zealand.

This change reflects our commitment to supporting strong Pacific connections and builds on wider work to make travel simpler and more accessible.

Read more: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/visitor-visa-fees-temporarily-reduced-for-pacific-nationals/

03/03/2026

🌏 Travel Disruptions & NZ Visa Update 🇳🇿

The ongoing situation in the Middle East is causing flight cancellations and delays. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) continues to operate as normal, taking a pragmatic and empathetic approach where people are affected by circumstances beyond their control.

If you hold a temporary NZ visa (visitor, work, student):
✔️ Check your visa expiry date
✔️ Review your travel conditions
✔️ Confirm flights before travelling

If your visa is expiring:

▪In NZ: You must apply for a new temporary visa before expiry (you cannot extend it). You may receive an Interim Visa if you apply in time.
▪Outside NZ: If your visa expires offshore, you must apply for a new visa before returning.

⚠️ There is no automatic extension or grace period.

The ongoing situation in the Middle East continues to disrupt international travel, including flight cancellations and delays through key transit hubs.