New Zealand Student Visa Application Process

Around 13.5 lakh students are presently studying abroad and many more students are preparing for abroad admissions. But, this increasing number is encouraging countries to cap the number of students intakes of international students. If you’re planning to apply for student visa New Zealand (NZ), here’s an important update: In 2023, 40% of Indian students were rejected, while the rejection rate for Chinese students was just 2%. Did you notice a difference of 38%? Along with this, the New Zealand government announced new rules for student visas in NZ including doubling their visa fees to ₹38,483 effective from October 1, 2024. This highlights the importance of attention during the visa application process. To help you navigate this, GyanDhan has created a comprehensive step-by-step guide to ensure your application is perfect the first time.

Filling out a student visa application in New Zealand gives you only one chance. You can’t rectify the application once you’ve applied. Any incorrect information can cause a financial loss. Thus, here are some points that you should check before visa application.

Application Date

Make sure to apply for student visa New Zealand three months before your course date. There is no strict limit on when you apply for it, but applications are not acceptable only after three months of the course start date. This also provides extra time in case there are any concerns in the application.

Translate Documents

If your documents are in a language other than English, like Urdu, Hindi, or Marathi. Get them translated into English before submission. Documents in any other language are considered invalid.

Reserving a Ticket

Avoid booking your travel ticket before receiving a visa approval. Pre-booked tickets are not prioritized in the visa approval process. Decide on your travel date after your visa is approved.

Student Declaration Form

If someone else is helping you fill out the visa application and has access to all your documents, submit a Student Declaration Form. This form includes proof of your relationship and a consent letter. This letter authorizes them to fill out the visa application on your behalf.

Pathway Student Visa Cover Letter 

If you apply for student visa New Zealand for multiple courses you need a pathway cover letter for the visa application. Don’t know about different types of visas? Refer to Everything You Must Know About the New Zealand Study Visa.

Excessive Documents

Only submit the necessary paperwork, submitting unnecessary documents can be because because of the increased verification process. 

You can apply online for student visa New Zealand. Here is a brief guide mentioning all the steps of visa application. 

Visit the New Zealand Offical Website

Go to the New Zealand immigration website and choose the type of visa you wish to apply for. Most Indian students prefer the Fee Paying Student Visa. For a direct link, click here; Immigration Website portal. 

Create an Account

Click on the Apply Online, you will see a screen asking you either to Log in or to Create an Account. If this is your first visit, create an account using an email and phone number you can easily access.

Choose Visa Type

When you have created an account, you will see a dashboard where you can select the type of visa you want to apply for.

Start Your Application

Click on the Student Visa to start your application. Fill in the personal information as asked in the required sections. Then upload your documents. 

Safeguard the Application Number

Once your application is complete, you will receive an application number. Save this number somewhere as you will need it to track your application status.

 

Majority of the New Zealand Visa Rejection happens while filling out the visa application, therefore, ensure to review the form twice before submission.

Pay the application fee

After completion, review your application. To submit, you must pay the application fee using MasterCard or net banking.

Attend the Interview

You will receive an email from the immigration office regarding your visa interview. Prepare well and attend the interview. 

The cost to apply for student visa New Zealand will be double from October 1, 2024. You can refer to the table below for details on the application fees; however, note that we haven’t included the cost of other expenses included in the visa application.

Now, that you know how to apply for a student visa in New Zealand, well it’s your turn to start your application! Ensure to get it right the first time. If you are hesitant, here’s the good news: you have up to six months to complete and submit the application. So, take a moment to breathe and gather everything you need. If you’d like to connect with an Indian student already studying in New Zealand. Join our GyanDhan community and make a friend even before you land there.