28 July 2026 at 11:43 am
Update from Immigration New Zealand – July 2026
Student visa processing – reminder to apply early
New Zealand continues to be a popular destination for international students, with INZ receiving around 20 percent more student visa applications so far in 2026 than during the same period last year.
The higher volume of applications, together with an increase in complex applications, means some may take longer to process.
Despite consistent messaging, INZ have also seen an increase in late applications with many applications submitted only one month before a student’s intended study start date.
Key reminders for students
Apply for a Student Visa at least 3 months before intended travel dates.
Submit a complete application with all required supporting documents.
Respond quickly if INZ requests additional information.
Check current visa wait times when planning applications and travel arrangements.
Students who apply close to their programme start date risk not having their visa decided in time.
If a student is concerned their visa may not be approved before their intended start date, they should speak to their education provider and discuss contingency arrangements.
INZ will continue to monitor application volumes and provide updates where needed.
For more information on wait times and student visa processing, visit the Immigration New Zealand website:
Student visa processing update – midyear intake and reminder to apply early
Improvements to the Pathway Student Visa
The Government has made changes to the Pathway Student Visa, giving international students greater flexibility in their study plans.
The changes provide more flexibility for secondary school students, support a wider range of lower-level study pathways, and allow more time for English language study.
For more information on the changes to the Pathway Student Visa, visit the Immigration New Zealand website: Improvements to the Pathway Student Visa.
Police certificates required upfront for student and temporary visas
Immigration New Zealand requires police certificates to be submitted at the time of application for student visas and other temporary visas.
Applications will generally be assessed based on the information provided at lodgement. If a police certificate is missing, the application may be declined. INZ will not usually contact applicants to request a missing police certificate.
What this means for students
Only apply once they have all required documents ready, including their police certificate.
Check police certificate processing times as these can vary between countries.
Applicants from Fiji, Hong Kong and Israel can continue to provide proof they have applied for a police certificate, as these certificates are sent directly to INZ by the issuing authority.
For more information about police certificates and the application process from within and outside of New Zealand, visit the Immigration New Zealand website: Police certificates required upfront for student and temporary visas.
