New Zealand study visa process (fee paying student)

1. Receive an offer letter :  Your chosen institution will send you an offer letter that you must accept before you can pay any upfront tuition and housing fees.
2. Obtain a medical examination :  You must have a medical examination performed by a doctor approved by Immigration New Zealand.
3. Obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) : A clearance certificate can be obtained from a Regional Passport office or the Deputy Commissioner of Police in your area.
4. Create an account and apply online :  you may also be able to apply by mail. Remember to keep your application fee payment receipt.
5. Receive a decision :  The time it takes to receive a decision on your visa application varies depending on the country from which you apply. You should always try to apply three months before the start of your course.

Visas for student dependents in New Zealand

Your spouse or partner may be able to accompany you to New Zealand on a Partner of a Student Work Visa, but the restrictions mean that the vast majority of students will not be eligible.

In order for your partner to join you in New Zealand, you must be studying towards a Level 7 or 8 qualification on New Zealand’s Long Term Skill Shortage List, or a Level 9 or 10 qualification. Your university will be able to tell you what level you are studying at if you are unsure.

NZ student visa requirements

You may be asked for the following information at some point during your application for a NZ student visa:

• Confirmation of an offer
• Documents to show you can support yourself such as bank statements
• Passport standard photographs
• Valid passport
• Medical certificate
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical and travel insurance
• English language proficiency test results (recommended IELTS 5.5 and above)
• Payment receipts
• Proof of onward travel or enough funds to buy transport home

Using a Fee-Paying Student Visa to Work

You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and as often as you want during university holidays if you have a Fee Paying Student visa for New Zealand. Students pursuing a Master’s degree by research or a PhD are exempt from this limit and may work as many hours as they wish.

What should you do if your visa is denied/rejected?

If you believe your visa was denied in error, you can request that your visa decision be reconsidered in writing. If New Zealand Immigration reconsiders your application and determines that you are correct, you will be granted the visa you were denied. A reconsideration process may incur costs.

If you believe you can submit a new visa application that addresses the reason you were denied, you should do so. You’ll have to pay the application fee again and make sure you address any issues raised in your previous application completely.