The Latest Breaking News from INZ

New Zealand family visa application to move to enhanced online system from November 16

New Zealand plans to move specific temporary entry visa applications to a new Immigration Online system. This transition will occur on November 16, 2026, for four visa categories. The enhanced system will improve the application process through dynamic forms and better guidance for applicants. Applicants can upload their passport scans,…

The Economic Times · Sep 29

New Zealand to shift selected visitor, transit visa applications online from October 1

New Zealand will stop accepting paper visitor and transit visa applications from October 2026. Applicants must use the enhanced Immigration Online system for submissions. This digital shift aims to reduce paperwork and improve application tracking. Certain visitor visas, like those for partners and children, remain unaffected by this change. Paper…

The Economic Times · Sep 4

New Zealand to open new Visa Application Centre in Tonga from September 14

New Zealand will open a new visa centre in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on September 14, 2026. This centre will allow customers to access visa services locally and will be operated by VFS Global. All Recognised Seasonal Employer visa applications must be submitted through this new Tonga centre. Applicants can also have…

The Economic Times · Aug 31

New Zealand urges international students to apply for visas at least three months before travel

New Zealand is urging international students to apply for visas at least three months ahead of their travel plans due to a 20% surge in applications and extended processing for complex cases. Students submitting late may miss their July intake. Immigration New Zealand emphasizes complete applications and advises those awaiting…

The Economic Times · Jul 1

New Zealand warns missing police certificates could lead to student, temporary visa refusals

New Zealand now mandates police certificates for temporary visa applicants, including students. Applications lacking this crucial document risk immediate decline, with no requests for missing files. Exceptions exist for Fiji, Hong Kong, and Israel where certificates are sent directly. Applicants are strongly advised to secure these certificates early to prevent…

The Economic Times · Jul 1

New Zealand finalises skilled migrant visa changes ahead of August rollout

New Zealand is updating its skilled migrant and work-to-residence visa programs. New rules begin August 24, 2026. Wage thresholds are simplified for applicants. Qualification requirements are clarified. Trades and technician pathways see updates. Self-employment experience will not count towards work experience. These changes aim for greater certainty and integrity in…

The Economic Times · Jun 18

New Zealand moves family visa applications to enhanced online system

New Zealand is upgrading its immigration services. From June 1, 2026, family visa applications will move to a new online system. This change aims to simplify processing and reduce waiting times. Existing applications will be processed as usual. The new platform offers improved features for applicants. This modernization is part…

The Economic Times · Jun 1

‘We are a forgotten people’: how rap music processed trauma in Iraq

In the first of two features exploring Iraqi music 20 years on from the Iraq war, the country’s rappers explain why using a US artform carries such satirical power

The Guardian - UK · May 15, 2023

New Zealand allows anti-trans activist entry

Immigration New Zealand say they believe Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull is not a threat to public safety.

AAP · Mar 22, 2023

New Zealand could bar anti-trans activist Keen-Minshull

Following harrowing scenes of neo-Nazis outside Melbourne's parliament, New Zealand could bar an activist from entering the country and holding similar rallies.

AAP · Mar 20, 2023