Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that, from 24 August 2026, new online applications for Group Visitor Visa and Tour Escort Visitor Visa categories are being directed to the enhanced Immigration Online system.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
This change may affect global mobility and travel programs involving group travel, tourism-related travel, tour escorts, Approved Destination Status arrangements, and certain visitor visa applications for New Zealand. Employers, mobility teams, travel coordinators, and tourism-sector stakeholders may need to understand which applications are now being routed through enhanced Immigration Online and how existing applications or draft applications under the old form will be treated.
Background
INZ states that it began the Our Future Services programme in the prior year to support its goal of providing a trusted and effective immigration service. As part of that programme, INZ plans to move all visa applications onto the enhanced Immigration Online platform, which was first introduced in 2021 and has already been used for several visa categories, including international student visas, visitor visas, Accredited Employer Work Visa, and Permanent Resident Visa applications.
Key Highlights
- Effective date: From 24 August 2026, applicants starting a new online application for the affected visa types are automatically directed to enhanced Immigration Online.
- Visa categories affected: The affected categories are Group Visitor Visa applications, including general and Approved Destination Status (ADS), and Tour Escort Visitor Visa applications, including General Visitor Visa for ADS Free and Independent Travellers (FIT).
- Treatment of submitted applications: Applications already submitted using the old application form will continue to be processed. INZ states that applicants do not need to take further action and will retain access to upload documents and respond to INZ requests until the application is decided and the decision is communicated.
- Treatment of draft applications: Applicants with draft applications on the old form have until 7 October 2026 to complete and submit them. On 8 October 2026, any remaining drafts will be deleted, and applicants will need to start a new application using the new form.
- Enhanced system objectives: INZ states that the enhanced Immigration Online process is intended to provide a simpler, faster, and more user-friendly application process, reduce waiting times, provide clearer communication on application status, and increase self-service capabilities.
- Stakeholder engagement: INZ states that it engaged with visa processing staff, immigration professionals, and the international tourism sector, including ADS agents, to design the Group Visitor Visa and Tour Escort Visitor Visa application and processing product.
- New functionality: INZ has built functionality that allows applicants to share their Group Visitor Visa application with other people, including group members and tour agency staff working on the applications.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of these developments, employers and entities might wish to consider:
- Employers and travel coordinators could identify draft Group Visitor Visa and Tour Escort Visitor Visa applications in the previous online form.
- Applicants may review draft applications and determine whether they can be completed and submitted by 7 October 2026.
- Mobility and travel teams could update applicant instructions to reflect the use of enhanced Immigration Online for new applications.
- Organizations supporting group travel may consider how the application-sharing functionality could be incorporated into document collection, internal review, and submission processes.
- Relevant stakeholders could monitor further INZ announcements concerning visitor visa categories that have not yet moved to enhanced Immigration Online.
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, “Group and Tour Escort visitor visa applications now on enhanced Immigration Online,” published on 24 August 2025.
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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.
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