Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that, from 1 October 2026, paper applications will no longer be accepted for selected visitor and transit visas, and applications for those visa types are required to be submitted through the enhanced Immigration Online system.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
This change may affect global mobility programs that rely on New Zealand visitor or transit visa pathways for business travel, short-term assignments, event attendance, media visits, crew movements, and certain family or support-related travel. Human resources teams, mobility managers, and travel coordinators may need to update internal visa application processes to reflect online-only submission requirements for the affected categories from 1 October 2026. For mobile employees and business visitors, the move to enhanced Immigration Online may reduce reliance on physical documentation and provide better visibility of application status. However, organizations could also consider whether employees or dependents may require support using the online system, particularly where applicants have previously relied on paper forms. Paper applications will only be accepted where exceptional circumstances apply, and applicants are instructed to contact INZ if they believe they need to apply using a paper form.
Key Highlights
Effective Date and Transition Arrangements
Applications for the affected visa categories will need to be submitted through enhanced Immigration Online from 1 October 2026. According to INZ, paper applications submitted before 1 October 2026 will continue to be processed under the existing arrangements.
Affected Visa Categories
The change applies to the Transit Visa and the following visitor visa categories:
- Visitor Visa;
- Business Visitor Visa;
- Group Visitor Visa, including Approved Destination Status;
- Academic Visitor Visa;
- Adoption Visitor Visa;
- Adoption Pre-citizenship Visitor Visa;
- Antarctic Traveler Visitor Visa;
- Arts and Music Festival Visitor Visa;
- Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa;
- Crew Joining a Ship or Plane Visitor Visa;
- Dismissed Worker Visitor Visa;
- Escort of Medical Patients Visitor Visa;
- German Law Student Visitor Visa;
- Guardian Visitor Visa;
- Medical Treatment Visitor Visa;
- Occupational Registration Visitor Visa;
- Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa;
- Pitcairn Islander Visitor Visa;
- Private Yacht or Plane Visitor Visa;
- Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa;
- Sports Events Visitor Visa;
- Super Yachts Visitor Visa;
- Tour Escort Visitor Visa; and
- Visiting Media Visitor Visa.
Online Application Features
- INZ states that enhanced Immigration Online offers applicants the ability to:
- Upload supporting documents online;
- Reduce the need to provide physical copies of documents, including passports;
- Receive real-time application updates;
- Access guidance and built-in assistance;
- Reduce delays and the risk of application errors;
- Capture passport information through the Identity Document Reader; and
- Track an application through the online system.
Exceptional Circumstances
Paper application forms for the affected visa categories will generally be accepted only if exceptional circumstances apply. Applicants who believe they need to use a paper form are instructed to contact INZ to discuss their circumstances. The INZ update cited in this alert does not define the circumstances that may qualify as exceptional.
Visa Categories Not Included in the Change
INZ states that certain visitor visa categories are not included in this change. Applications for those categories may continue to be submitted through the currently available channels until INZ advises otherwise. INZ has indicated that paper applications for those categories may be withdrawn at a later date. The cited material does not specify a timetable for any further changes.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of these developments, employers and entities might wish to consider:
- Employers could review their New Zealand visitor and transit visa procedures before 1 October 2026 and update internal guidance for the affected categories.
- Mobility and travel teams could identify employees or dependents who may require assistance with online submission, document uploads, or application tracking.
- Employers could verify whether an applicant’s intended visa category is included in the change before directing the applicant to a filing channel.
- Mobility teams may monitor further INZ communications concerning visitor visa categories that remain outside the current change.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS immigration team with KPMG in Australia (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Immigration New Zealand, “Changes to use of paper applications for some visitor and transit visas,” published on 4 September 2025.
Contacts
More Information
Explore all GMS Flash Alert Topics
Explore GMS Flash Alert Newsletters & Trackers
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
**Please note also that the KPMG International member firm in Australia is currently providing New Zealand immigration services.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Australia.
GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.
© 2026 KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.