12 Jan Understanding New Zealand Student Visa Requirements
If you’re a student and wish to go to New Zealand from India for further studies, you might face several issues if you are not prepared beforehand. So, in this blog we will guide you through the whole New Zealand student visa filing process. Let’s go!!
How to Go New Zealand from India?
The most common route to fly from India to New Zealand is to take a connecting flight from major Indian airports like Delhi or Mumbai. Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines and Emirates offer flights from Delhi to Auckland or Christchurch via their hub cities. The total flight time is around 20 hours including layovers.
Where to Apply for New Zealand Visa?
You can apply for a New Zealand student visa online through Immigration New Zealand’s website at www.immigration.govt.nz. There is no visa application centre or office in India to submit the application in-person. Everything is done online.
What Are New Zealand Student Visa Requirements?
Key documents for getting a study permit New Zealand includes offer letter from your education provider, evidence of tuition fee payment, proof of funds for living costs, English test scores if applicable.
Let us the list of documents required for student visa in New Zealand:
1. Offer of Place Letter: This is the official admission offer letter from your New Zealand education provider confirming your enrolment in the academic program along with details like course duration, start date etc.
2. Evidence of Tuition Fee Payment: You must provide the fee receipt showing that 1 year’s (or 1 program’s) full tuition fees have been paid to your education provider. (if asked for)
3. Proof of Funds for Living Expenses: Bank statements or fixed deposit certificates demonstrating you have a minimum of NZD $15,000 for school students and NZD $20,000 for tertiary/vocational students as funds for living costs.
4. English Language Test Scores: If your academic program has a minimum English language requirement you should provide a valid IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score report meeting that requirement.
5. Passport: Colour scan of your passport’s bio-data page showing your identity details. The passport must be valid for intended duration of study in NZ.
6. Previous Academic Certificates & Marksheets: For undergraduate admission provide scanned copies of 10th and 12th standard marksheets as proof of completing prerequisite education.
7. Other Age/Program Specific Documents: Some programs may need additional documentation like medical certificates, police clearance certificates, portfolio, CV etc.
8. Visa Application Form: Completed and signed visa application form submitted online at Immigration New Zealand’s website along with above documentation.
How to Apply for New Zealand Visa?
You can apply online by creating an account on Immigration New Zealand’s website. Fill out the application form, upload required documents, pay visa fees using credit/debit card and submit the application. It takes around 8 weeks to process once submitted.
How Much Funds Needed for New Zealand Student Visa?
You need to show proof of NZD $20,000 per year for tertiary education and NZD $17,000 per year for schooling as living costs funds in your bank account for the visa application. Tuition fees also need to be paid fully in advance.
Type of Student Visa in New Zealand and their Fees
New Zealand offers many types of visas based on your requirement. For example, there are different types of visas based on your course and period of stay in New Zealand. Each visa has its different period of approval time to stay and fees. Let us now check out the different type of visa New Zealand immigration office provides.
1. Foreign Student Visa
– For international students enrolled in an academic program at an approved New Zealand education provider
– Covers tertiary education, vocational training, high school, primary schools
– Fee: NZD $270 (subject to change)
– Allows part-time work rights of up to 20hrs/week
2. English Language Student Visa
– For students studying English language or other non-academic courses
– Covers English language schools, informal education providers
– Fee: NZD $270 (subject to change)
– Allows part-time work rights of up to 20hrs/week
3. Group Student Visa
– For groups of international students studying together in New Zealand
– The education provider facilitates a group visa application
– Fee: NZD $85 per student (subject to change)
– Allows part-time work rights same as other visas
4. Pathway Student Visa
– For students completing pathway program to prepare for further academic education
– Pathway leads to a tertiary level program at an approved education provider
– Fee: NZD $170 (subject to change)
– Allows part-time work rights of up to 20hrs/week
The tuition fees and immigration fees are updated and published by Immigration New Zealand every year so applicants should always check the official website for current rates.
Who to Contact for Student Visa Process?
By now you must have got a clear idea about New Zealand study visa process. If you still need professional assistance, contact Immivoyage. We are a leading visa consultancy in Mohali and have been helping students to get their NZ student visas for more than 3 years. Our team of experts are always on hand to help and can guide you through the entire process from start to finish.
