Student Visa Applications

To be granted a student visa, you need to apply. We recommend that you present or mail your application along with all the necessary supporting documents at a New Zealand consulate nearest you. If you are in New Zealand and need to apply for a student visa, visit the Immigration New Zealand website.

FAQs 

In addition to my completed application, what else do you need from me? 

A few things:

• 2 passport-sized photos less than 6 months old 
• Your passport, which must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure from New Zealand 
• Your application fee 
• A medical certificate if you’re planning to be in New Zealand for more than 12 months. A chest x-ray may be necessary if you have visited a country where TB is a risk.
• A police certificate if you’re planning to be in New Zealand for more than 24 months.
• A letter or form from the university or education provider offering you a place on a approved course.
• Evidence that you have the funds required to support yourself while in New Zealand 

Where can I find and download the student visa application?

The application is located on our Forms and Guides page.

How much will my application for a student visa cost?

The New Zealand Government has a bilateral fee-waiver agreement with the US, so if you are a US citizen, you do not have to pay fees for a student visa. If you are from a country other than the US, click here to find out what fees you will have to pay . 

Where should I submit my application? 

To your nearest New Zealand consul or, if you are in New Zealand, to our Palmerston North Branch. 

How long will it take to be approved for a student visa? 

Providing all your paperwork is in order, it should take around 2 - 4 weeks for your application to be approved. However, to be safe it is best to allow 6 weeks!