Time to apply for your student visa

With semester 2 starting in July now is the time to be thinking about applying for your student visa!

Immigration New Zealand advise that you apply for your visa at least 8 weeks before you are planning to travel, and as of today, 21st February, 80% of applications for fee paying student visas are being processed within 9 weeks.

A recent adviser update noted that recently they have received a large number of applications, some of which have been received only a couple of weeks before the applicant planned to travel, and that many of these applications will not be processed prior to the time that study is due to start.

It is important to ensure you submit a complete application, with all relevant evidence and documentation. Depending on your planned length of stay you may need to provide evidence of health and character in the form of a chest x-ray and/or a medical examination and police certificates. If your police certificate is not in English you must provide a certified translation.

Further evidence required includes an offer of a place and proof of funds to pay your tuition fees, as well as cover your living expenses and your return ticket home from New Zealand. If you would like to further discuss the requirements for a student visa and your eligibility contact me for an initial consultation on jules@kawarauimmigration.co.nz