Update from Immigration New Zealand

Visa processing update

• From 01 January to 31 March 2025, student visas have been processed in 12 days (two and a half weeks) on average, compared to 24 days (five weeks) for the same period in 2024.
  
  
• Currently, international student visas are being decided in 10 days (two weeks) on average. 
  
  
• The tertiary sector’s mid-year intake is almost upon us, and students need to apply for their visas now.
  
  
• Latest visa processing times can be found on the INZ website: Student visa wait times | Immigration New Zealand.

Reminders from Immigration New Zealand

The conditions of a student visa state that the visa holder must attend the programme of study at all times, at the place of study endorsed on the visa (unless there are genuine reasons for absences), and that they must make satisfactory progress in the programme of study.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) receive a number of applications from students in New Zealand, who have poor attendance and/or progress, without any explanation of why.

If students do have poor attendance or progress, it is recommended that an explanation for this is provided up front with the application to avoid the need for INZ to request further information. This will prevent any delays in processing.

• All terminations of enrolment (ToE) must be submitted to INZ. This can be done through the INZ website: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assist-migrants-and-students/assist-students/student-enrolment-termination

If you are refunding an international student’s fees, then the ToE form should be filled out, regardless of whether or not the student’s visa has been sighted by the provider.