The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) yesterday announced that the online visa and permit application system is now live and available through MFAI’s website: www.mfai.gov.ck/immigration.

The online application system is the second module of ASYPX, MFAI’s border management platform, continuing the transition from paper-based applications to digital processing.

All visa and permit applications can now be submitted through the system, which also enables payments via credit and debit card.

MFAI Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann stated, “Today represents a milestone in the modernisation of immigration services in the Cook Islands—a milestone our immigration team has been working towards over the past two years to deliver national immigration outcomes and an enhanced user experience for our stakeholders, staff, and nation.”

In December 2024, MFAI hosted a final interactive orientation session with key stakeholders, providing an opportunity to review the system’s features and benefits, which their input helped refine.

MFAI principal immigration office Chere Arthur said: “The collaborative effort between Immigration and key stakeholders has ensured the online system is effective and user-friendly.”

Attendees at the session expressed enthusiasm for the system’s enhancements and shared their excitement for the launch and operationalisation of the online visa and permit application system.

From yesterday, sponsors should have received information and instructions on registering for the system, including guidance on setting up user IDs. Registered sponsors who have not received this information are advised to check their junk mail or contact MFAI offices to update their email details and complete their online registration.

Through the implementation of ASYPX, MFAI remains committed to strengthening the Cook Islands' border security capabilities, ensuring efficient processing and management of immigration visas and permits, and directly supporting the nation’s development needs.

The operationalisation of ASYPX is expected to foster inter-agency collaboration, elevate the customer experience, and enhance reporting and analysis to inform immigration trends across sectors such as tourism, labour, law enforcement, foreign investment, health, education, and infrastructure.

ASYPX was developed by MFAI in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), with funding by the New Zealand Government and ongoing support from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) through the Hakili Matangi partnership programme.

For more information about the online visa and permit application system, contact the Immigration office at +682 29-347 or email immigration.visapermit@cookislands.gov.ck.