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Apply early and get ahead of the student visa peak
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is approaching a peak period for student visa processing, which typically occurs between October and March as international students who are overseas prepare for the first half of the 2026 academic year.
Get your application in early
During peak periods, applications may take longer to process. To ensure timely visa decisions, prospective international students who are overseas are encouraged to submit their applications around 3 months before the intended travel date, as this provides the best chance of receiving a decision in time to begin study in New Zealand.
Late submissions risk missing the start of study and may result in declined applications if key documents are missing.
Students who are offshore and apply very early (for example, 6 months or more), may receive an approval in principle, allowing them to provide confirmation of study, funds transfers and tuition fee payment closer to their study commencement.
Check the recent processing times for student visa applications.
Changes to student visa work rights
Visas granted on or after 3 November 2025 will include a condition allowing up to 25 hours of work a week during term time, including those approved after that date from earlier applications.
If your visa is granted before 3 November 2025, the current 20-hour a week work limit will still apply. If you would like to work more hours after that date, you will need to apply for a variation of conditions to update your visa.
Upcoming changes to student visa work rights
To support a smoother and more transparent application process, INZ has moved international student visas to a new enhanced Immigration Online system.
The new form is tailored to each applicant’s situation. It asks only relevant questions and provides clear guidance throughout. It also provides real-time status updates and email notifications, giving students and their advisers greater visibility of application progress and clarity around any required actions.
While the new form may take slightly longer to complete, the additional information collected upfront is expected to reduce overall processing time.
Applying on enhanced Immigration Online
Students applying for the following visa types will be automatically directed to a redesigned, dynamic application form:
- English Language Student Visa
- Exchange Student Visa
- Fee Paying Student Visa
- Pathway Student Visa
- NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa
- Foreign Government Supported Student Visa
Applications submitted on or before 17 August 2025 will continue to be processed, and students will retain access to upload documents and respond to Immigration New Zealand requests until a decision is made.
Draft applications not submitted by 17 August 2025 can still be completed and submitted until 17 September 2025.
After 17 September 2025, all remaining drafts will be deleted, and a new application using the enhanced form will be required. The new student visa application forms on enhanced Immigration Online include built-in guidance to support applicants. It helps ensure they understand what is being asked and provides easy access to information to help them answer questions accurately.
Help us process your application faster
To avoid delays, students should ensure their application includes all required documentation. INZ may not contact applicants if key documents are missing, and incomplete applications may be declined.
INZ understands that some students may face delays in obtaining final academic documentation required for their application.
We recommend you apply as soon as you have the required documentation or contact your education provider to see if a conditional Offer of Place is available, so you can submit your student visa application and get the process underway.
If you do apply late, your application may not be processed in time for your study in New Zealand.
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International students welcomed across New Zealand
In February, hundreds of international students gathered at a University of Auckland orientation event. ENZ’s Student Experience Manager, Ross Crosson, says, “The wait, for many, has been long but there was a very positive vibe in the air.”
In Hamilton, the Wintec | Te Pūkenga International student services team held an interactive event to welcome students on campus. They used a range of activities to create connections amongst the students and to familiarise them with student support services available.
Over in Wellington, Victoria University of Wellington Vice Chancellor Nic Smith took the opportunity to connect with students face-to-face as they were settling into halls of residence.
More than 150 international students from 11 local secondary schools were welcomed into Dunedin at Puketeraki Marae on 8 March. In the event organised by Enterprise Dunedin and Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, the guests spent the morning at the pōwhiri, which was accompanied by pupils from Waitati School kapa haka group, and then enjoyed a kōrero and some kai.
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Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao welcomes new Board Chair
The Minister of Education, Jan Tinetti, confirmed two new appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao on 17 March.
Tracey Bridges has been appointed Chair for a three-year term from 1 April 2023. She succeeds Steve Maharey who will finish his term at the end of this month.
Read the Minister’s announcement here.
In addition, two existing Board members have been reappointed. Dr Linda Sissons for a third term until 15 March 2024 and Daniel Wilson to a three-year term.
Tracey Bridges has knowledge of regional economic development, and expertise in strategy, risk, and reputation management, and in social marketing. She is Chair of the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency Limited (WellingtonNZ), co-founder of The Good Registry and sets on the Boards of Sky Stadium, Whānau Āwhina Plunket, the Wellfed NZ Trust and the Digital Media Trust.
Dr Dona (Therese) Arseneau has been appointed as a member for a three-year term from 1 April 2023. Dr Arseneau also has knowledge of economic development including international education’s contribution to regional economic development, and governance experience in the tertiary sector at the Ara Institute and the Open Polytechnic. She previously chaired Regenerate Christchurch and Enterprise North Canterbury.
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Strengthening education partnerships in Japan
The visit was led by ENZ Group General Manager for International and Sector Engagement, Sahinde Pala, and Regional Director for Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes, who met with partners in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Sapporo to formalise agreements and discuss future initiatives.
Renewed commitment to education collaboration with Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education
On 20 October, ENZ renewed its Education Cooperation Arrangement (ECA) with the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education. First signed in 2017, the arrangement underpins collaboration on inbound and outbound study programmes and initiatives that deepen understanding of New Zealand’s education system.
The renewal included a review of past activities and discussions on future areas of cooperation, ensuring the partnership continues to deliver meaningful outcomes for students and educators.
New arrangement with Ritsumeikan Academy
On 21 October, ENZ signed a new ECA with Ritsumeikan University and its affiliated schools. Ritsumeikan is recognised for its strong focus on global competence and has maintained a close relationship with New Zealand since 2000 through long-term and exchange programmes.
ENZ Group General Manager International & Sector Engagement, Sahinde Pala, alongside Chancellor, The Ritsumeikan Trust Presindent, Ritsumeikan University, Dr.Yoshio Nakatani.
The formalisation of this partnership builds on years of collaboration, including support for identifying partner schools and facilitating study tours. The new arrangement will strengthen opportunities for Japanese students to experience New Zealand education.
Reaffirming ties with Hokkaido Board of Education
On 22 October, ENZ met with the Hokkaido Board of Education to reaffirm a partnership that began in 2017 and was formalised through an ECA in 2020. Discussions focused on continuing reciprocal school exchanges, advancing digital learning in regional areas, and promoting cross-cultural understanding and global learning for students in both regions.
From L to R: ENZ Senior Market Development Manager Takako Tominaga, Chief Coordinator, Hokkaido Board of Education Yohei Kato, ENZ Regional Director Ben Burrowes, ENZ Group General Manager Sahinde Pala and International Exchange Section, High School Education Division, Bureau of school Education, Aoi Konagaya.
This engagement reflects ENZ’s commitment to sustaining and deepening educational exchange between Hokkaido and New Zealand.
Meeting with JAOS leadership
Also on 22 October, ENZ met with Mr. Sone, a Board Member of the Japan Association of Overseas Studies (JAOS), the peak body representing Japan’s study-abroad agencies. JAOS promotes ethical industry standards, provides counsellor training, and advocates for safe, high-quality study abroad options for Japanese students.
The discussion covered the strong reputation of New Zealand in the high school sector, emerging market dynamics, and evolving preferences among students and parents. Both sides explored opportunities for deeper collaboration with Japanese agents, including future initiatives to strengthen partnerships and enhance global learning experiences.
Looking ahead
The visit marked an important step in strengthening ENZ’s partnerships across Japan and reaffirming shared goals for international education.
Reflecting on the visit, Sahinde Pala said this visit shows ENZ’s commitment to building strong international partnerships.
“We are delighted to work with our Japanese partners to create more opportunities for students from both countries to gain global skills and for Japanese students to experience the quality of NZ's education system," she said.
