Student Visas

International students studying in New Zealand require a student visa.

It is important to apply for a student visa as early as possible. If you leave it to the last few weeks you may not get your visa in time. You will need your fees receipt to apply

Applying for a Student Visa before you come to New Zealand

The New Zealand Immigration Service has all the information you need to make a first time application for an NZ study visa, including the location of your nearest Immigration New Zealand office and the requirements applicable to your home country.

Visa Renewal

Whilst you continue to study as an international student, it will be your responsibility to keep your Study Permit valid and up-to-date. This is now easier than ever: you can renew your permit on campus at Victoria International (please note that this service is only for students that are in Wellington when they apply).

We encourage all students to renew their student visas at the Victoria International office where your visa will be processed within a few days. (Click here for a visa application form)

To make an application for your student visa on campus, you will require the following:

• A recent bank statement, or a completed Immigration NZ financial undertaking form as proof that you have at least $10 000 available to support yourself for the academic year. The bank statement must show evidence of your account after your tuition fees has been paid.

• Receipt for payment of visa application fee. The visa application fee is $140 and is payable at either the cashier's counter in the Hunter Building or by EFTPOS at Victoria International.
  
  
• Receipt for payment of tuition fees
  
  

• Completed VUW Online Student Visa Application Form

• Your passport

• One recent passport size photograph

• Student ID card

• Proof of enrolment (eg: your offer of study, confirmation of study).

PLEASE NOTE: The bank statement you provide must be for an account held in your own name. Financial Undertaking forms must be completed by New Zealand Citizen or Resident.

Alternatively you can send your completed visa application to:

Immigration New Zealand
PO Box 1049,
Palmerston North

This may mean, however, that you are without your passport for a number of weeks.

Visa Medical Checks

The New Zealand Immigration Service requires every person intending to stay in New Zealand for 12 months or more to complete a medical check.

The New Zealand Immigration medical form is available on their website, www.immigration.govt.nz, or from Victoria International.

Any New Zealand registered doctor is permitted to complete immigration medical checks. You may wish to use the Student Health service on campus.

If you have your medical check completed outside of New Zealand, you must visit a New Zealand Immigration Service approved panel doctor. A list of panel doctors is posted at www.immigration.govt.nz .

Police Checks

If you plan to stay in New Zealand for 24 months or more you will be asked to provide a police certificate from your home country.

Information on obtaining a police certificate can be found on the New Zealand Immigration Service website. You can also contact Victoria International for a copy of the New Zealand Immigration Service booklet “Guide to Obtaining a Police Certificate”.

Important Information

You must adhere to the conditions of your student permit while studying in New Zealand. These conditions include (but are not limited to) attending classes, making satisfactory progress and not breaking the law. A student who breaches any of the conditions of their permit is liable to have the permit revoked and be required to leave New Zealand. This will affect your ability to apply for visas to New Zealand and possibly other countries in the future.

For more information about student permit conditions contact the New Zealand Immigration Service.

If you have any questions or need help with a student visa please contact Victoria International, we are happy to assist you.

Email: vi-studentvisa@vuw.ac.nz

Can I work while I study?

It may be possible for you to work while you are studying: Under present immigration regulations international students on long term student permits (2 years or more) are entitled to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during the summer break.

• Learn more about working in New Zealand while you study...

Can I continue to work in New Zealand after I have graduated?

International students who have graduated with a NZ qualification are now eligible to apply for the Graduate Job Search Work Permit. This one year permit/visa allows International Graduates to work for any employer in New Zealand.

• Learn more about working in New Zealand as a Graduate...