FAQ about Visas

How long will it take for my student visa application to be processed?

You can find out more under How long it takes to process a visa application | Immigration New Zealand.

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When do I need to submit my student visa application?

If you are a new student travelling to New Zealand to study, you should apply for your visa at least 2-3 months before your intended travel date to New Zealand. You won’t be able to board your flight without a visa.

If you currently hold a student visa for your programme of study at New Zealand Aviation Academy (NZAvAc), you have to submit your visa application at least one month before your current visa expires.

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What happens if Immigration New Zealand doesn’t process my application before my current visa expires?

If your new student visa is not issued before your current one expires, Immigration New Zealand will automatically issue an interim visa which is valid for six months or until your new visa is issued (whichever comes first). An interim visa permits you to be in New Zealand and continue your studies.

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Can I use the funds in my bank account if my visa application is still being assessed?

Yes, you should use your funds to maintain yourself. If this means using the funds you presented for your visa application then you can do this. If Immigration New Zealand requests an updated bank statement at a later stage, then they would just want to see you still have sufficient funds to support yourself for the remaining time of the intended visa period.

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What should I do if my visa has expired?

You are not allowed to stay after your visa expires. You should depart New Zealand by the expiry date of your visa or apply for a new visa before your current one expires.

If your visa has expired, you need to submit a visa request under Section 61 through Immigration New Zealand. If you are unlawfully in New Zealand you are not allowed to work or study.

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Is my passport acceptable for travel to New Zealand?

There are rules regarding how long your passport must be valid for in order to be acceptable. In the case of people coming to New Zealand temporarily (including visitors, students, and workers), the passport must be valid either:

• for at least 3 months beyond the date you intend to depart New Zealand, or
• for one month beyond the date you intend to depart New Zealand if the issuing government has consular representation in New Zealand that is able to issue and renew travel documents (you should check with your issuing authority before travelling).

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Can I use a certified copy instead of the original for the visa application? Who can certify copies of my documents?

When submitting a paper visa application you can provide a certified copy of your passport or certificate of identity in place of your original passport.
Immigration staff will still request your original passport if it is required to process your visa application (for example, for identity confirmation or visa label issuing).

Certified copies must be stamped or endorsed as true copies of the originals by a person authorised by law to take statutory declarations in your country.

In New Zealand, this person may be a lawyer, notary public, Justice of the Peace, court official or New Zealand Police Officer of a certain rank.

Refer here to where you can locate these officials in New Zealand.

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NOTE

For latest visa information, or in case you cannot find the answer to your questions on this page, please contact Immigration New Zealand for more information.