All About New Zealand Student Visa

New Zealand is a popular destination for international students who want to pursue quality education in a safe and friendly environment. According to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), nearly 34,000 international students were holding New Zealand student visas at the beginning of March 2023, up 98% since the border reopened. Between December 2022 and February 2023, the number of approved visas was about two-thirds of the number approved between December 2019 to February 2020. Along with the chance to acquire top-notch qualifications, New Zealand has a strong and resilient economy that offers a range of career options for graduates. The country has a low unemployment rate of 3.9% as of December 2022, and a high demand for skilled workers in sectors such as IT, engineering, health, and education. Additionally, international students who complete a qualification in New Zealand can apply for a post-study work visa that allows them to work for up to three years in the country. This gives them a chance to gain valuable work experience and explore the culture and lifestyle of New Zealand.

However, to study in New Zealand, international students need to obtain a student visa that grants them permission to enter and stay in the country for the duration of their course. A student visa is a type of temporary visa that has certain conditions and requirements that students need to meet and follow. International students need to understand the correct procedures and processes involved in applying for and maintaining a student visa, as failing to do so may result in visa refusal, cancellation, or deportation.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to New Zealand student visas, covering topics such as eligibility criteria, application process, fees, processing time, visa conditions, and renewal options. 

Types of New Zealand Student Visa

Fee Paying Student Visa: This visa is for students who want to study full-time in New Zealand and pay the full cost of their courses. You can study for up to 4 years on this visa and work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks. You can also bring your partner and dependent children with you if they meet the requirements.

Pathway Student Visa: This visa is for students who want to study up to 3 consecutive courses on a single visa. You can study for up to 5 years on this visa and work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks. You can also bring your partner and dependent children with you if they meet the requirements.

English Language Studies Student Visa: This visa is for students who want to study a full-time English language course of at least 14 weeks in New Zealand. You can study for up to 2 years on this visa and work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. You cannot bring your partner or dependent children with you on this visa3.

MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa: This visa is for students who have been awarded a scholarship by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to study in New Zealand. You can study for the duration of your scholarship on this visa and work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. You can also bring your partner and dependent children with you if they meet the requirements.

Exchange Student Visa: This visa is for students who want to study in New Zealand as part of a formal exchange program. You can study for up to 4 years on this visa and work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks. You cannot bring your partner or dependent children with you on this visa.

Visitor Visa: This visa is for students who want to study short-term courses for up to three months that do not lead to a qualification. This visa does not allow students to work in New Zealand.

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New Zealand Student Visa: Eligibility 

• You must be of good character and in good health. You may need to provide a police certificate and a medical certificate as evidence.
• You must genuinely plan to meet the conditions of your visa, such as studying full-time at an approved education provider, and leaving New Zealand when your visa expires.
• You must have an offer of place from an education provider that is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or the Ministry of Education. 
• You must have sufficient funds to pay your tuition fees and living expenses while in New Zealand. You may need to provide evidence of your financial ability, such as bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship forms.
• You may also need to meet other specific criteria depending on your country of origin, the level and duration of your study, and the type of visa you are applying for. For example, some students may need to provide an English language test result, a guardian’s consent, or a return ticket.

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New Zealand Student Visa: Application Process 

• Choose a course and an education provider. You need to have an offer of place from an approved education provider in New Zealand before you can apply for a student visa. You also need to make sure that your course meets the academic and English language requirements for your visa category.
• Gather your supporting documents. You need to provide evidence of your identity, health, character, funds, and insurance when you apply for a student visa. You may also need to provide additional documents depending on your visa category, such as a police certificate, a medical certificate, or an English language test result. 
• Apply for a student visa. You can apply online or using a printed form. Applying online is faster and easier, and you can upload your documents and pay your fees online. You need to create a RealMe account and log into the INZ online system to apply online. If you apply using a printed form, you need to download the Student Visa Application form (INZ 1012) and the Student Visa Guide (INZ 1013) from the INZ website. You also need to send your passport and your supporting documents to the nearest INZ office or visa application center.
• Wait for a decision. The processing time for a student visa application depends on the visa category, the completeness of your application, and the country you are applying from. You can also track the status of your application online if you applied online. INZ will contact you if they need more information or if they have made a decision on your application.
• When you get your visa. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa label in your passport or an eVisa by email. You need to check the details and conditions of your visa carefully and make sure you comply with them. You also need to prepare for your arrival in New Zealand, such as booking your flights, arranging your accommodation, and packing your belongings.

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New Zealand Student Visa: Documents Required 

• Completed Visa Application Form: This form can be completed online through the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website or submitted as a paper application.
• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in New Zealand. It’s advisable to have a passport with at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
• Offer of Place from a New Zealand Institution: You need to provide an offer letter or an acceptance letter from a recognized New Zealand educational institution confirming your enrollment in a full-time course.
• Evidence of Payment of Tuition Fees: You must provide proof that you have paid the tuition fees for the first year of your course or have sufficient funds to cover them.
• Financial Documents: You need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your living expenses in New Zealand. 
• Health and Travel Insurance: You are required to have comprehensive health and travel insurance for the duration of your stay in New Zealand. 
• Medical Examination Certificate: Depending on the duration of your intended stay in New Zealand, you may need to undergo a medical examination. This certificate must be issued by an approved panel physician.
• Police Clearance Certificate: You may be required to provide a police clearance certificate from your home country or any country where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
• Evidence of English Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. This can be in the form of IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognized English language test scores.
• Statement of Purpose: A well-written statement explaining your reasons for studying in New Zealand, your academic and career goals, and how the course you have chosen aligns with your aspirations.
• Parental Consent Letter (if applicable): If you are under 18 years of age, you may need to provide a letter of consent from your parents or legal guardian.
• Additional Documents: Depending on your specific circumstances and the requirements of the New Zealand immigration authorities, you may be asked to provide additional documents such as marriage certificates, academic transcripts, or evidence of work experience.

New Zealand Student Visa: Cost and Processing Time

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What to Do if Your Visa Application is Rejected? 

If your New Zealand student visa application is rejected, it can be a challenging situation, but there are steps you can take to address it. Here’s what you can do:

• Review the Reasons for Rejection: When you receive notification of your visa rejection, carefully review the reasons provided by immigration authorities. Understanding why your application was rejected is crucial for determining your next steps.
• Seek Assistance: Consider seeking assistance from a qualified immigration advisor or lawyer who specializes in New Zealand immigration law. They can provide expert guidance on your situation and help you navigate the appeals process if applicable.
• Appeal the Decision (if possible): In some cases, you may have the option to appeal the decision. If you believe that the rejection was made in error or if there are extenuating circumstances that were not considered, you can appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT). Be sure to adhere to the specified deadlines and procedures for filing an appeal.
• Address the Issues: If the rejection was due to specific deficiencies in your application, such as incomplete documentation or insufficient financial evidence, take steps to address these issues. Gather any additional required documents and ensure that your application is complete and accurate before reapplying.
• Consider Reapplying: Depending on the circumstances, you may have the option to reapply for a student visa after addressing the reasons for the initial rejection. Make sure to thoroughly review the visa requirements and provide all necessary documentation to support your application.
• Explore Alternative Options: If your student visa application continues to face challenges, consider exploring alternative pathways to achieve your educational goals in New Zealand. This could include enrolling in a different program, applying for a different type of visa, or pursuing studies in another country.
• Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about any changes to immigration policies or procedures that may affect your situation. Immigration regulations can vary and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments.
• Maintain Communication: Maintain open communication with immigration authorities throughout the process. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the appropriate authorities for clarification and guidance.

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Conclusion 

In conclusion, applying for a New Zealand student visa can be a challenging process, as there are different types of visas and various requirements to meet. It is important to carefully review all the information and prepare a comprehensive visa application that demonstrates your eligibility and genuine intentions. You may also seek guidance from your education provider, immigration adviser, or the Immigration New Zealand website to ensure a smooth and successful visa process. A New Zealand student visa can open up many opportunities for you to pursue your academic and personal goals. For information and assistance regarding the same, feel free to contact our admission experts at  Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!