Visa & Arrival - Study in New Zealand

Visa & Arrival

The New Zealand student visa is your essential document for studying in the country. The application process is entirely online, and while it requires careful preparation, it's straightforward if you have your documents in order. New Zealand's immigration system is transparent and well-documented — you'll know exactly what's required before you start.

This guide covers everything from visa requirements to your first week on the ground.

Student Visa Overview

The Fee Paying Student Visa is the standard visa for international students enrolled in full-time study at a New Zealand institution. Here are the basics:

Visa Requirements

Essential Documents

Financial Evidence in Detail

This is often the most complex part of the application. Immigration New Zealand needs to be confident you can support yourself financially.

Financial Requirements

Acceptable Financial Evidence

• Bank statements — In your name or your sponsor's name, showing the required amount held for at least 3 months
• Education loan — Approval letter from a recognized bank or financial institution
• Scholarship letter — Confirming your funding amount and what it covers
• Financial undertaking — A formal declaration from a sponsor (parent, relative, government) with their supporting financial documents
• Fixed deposits — Bank certificates showing term deposits
• Combination — You can combine multiple sources to meet the total requirement

Health Insurance — Mandatory

All international students must have approved medical and travel insurance for the full duration of their student visa. This is a legal requirement under the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice.

What Your Insurance Must Cover

• Medical care and hospital treatment
• Surgical treatment
• Repatriation (return to home country if seriously ill)
• Ambulance services
• Cover for the entire duration of your visa

Insurance Options

Your university may have a preferred provider or include insurance in your fees. Check before purchasing separately.

Compare health insurance options for New Zealand

Medical Examination

If you plan to study in New Zealand for more than 12 months, you'll need to complete a medical examination and chest X-ray.

Medical Exam Requirements

• General medical certificate (INZ 1007) — A standard health check covering general health, blood pressure, vision, and hearing
• Chest X-ray certificate (INZ 1096) — To screen for tuberculosis
• Where: Must be done by an Immigration New Zealand approved panel physician in your country
• Cost: NZD 300–500 (varies by country)
• Validity: 3 months from the date of examination

Finding a Panel Physician

Immigration New Zealand maintains a list of approved panel physicians on their website. You must use an approved physician — results from non-approved doctors will not be accepted.

Police Certificate

You'll need a police certificate (criminal record check) if:

• You're 17 years or older, AND
• You plan to study for more than 2 years
• OR you're from a country where police certificates are routinely required

How to Get a Police Certificate

• Request from your home country's police authority or relevant government agency
• Must cover any country where you've lived for 5+ years since age 17
• Must be less than 6 months old at the time of your visa application
• Must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation

The Genuine Temporary Entrant Assessment

Immigration New Zealand assesses whether you are a genuine student who intends to study. This is not a formal test — it's an assessment based on your overall application. They consider:

• Your study history — Is there a logical progression from your previous education to this program?
• Relevance to your career — Does this qualification make sense for your career goals?
• Immigration history — Have you complied with visa conditions in the past?
• Ties to your home country — Do you have reasons to return (family, property, employment)?
• Country circumstances — Economic and political conditions in your home country
• Chosen program and institution — Is it a genuine program at a reputable institution?

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process

1. Gather all documents — Offer of Place, fee receipt, passport, financial evidence, insurance, medical certificates, police certificates
2. Create an account on the Immigration New Zealand website (immigration.govt.nz)
3. Complete the online form — Personal details, study details, health and character declarations
4. Upload documents — Scan and upload all supporting documents in the required formats
5. Pay the application fee — NZD 375 + NZD 25.60 levy (credit card)
6. Submit biometrics — You may be asked to provide biometrics (fingerprints, photo) at a Visa Application Centre
7. Wait for processing — 4–8 weeks typically. You can check status online
8. Receive decision — Approval is sent electronically (eVisa). Print a copy and keep it accessible
9. Travel to New Zealand — You can arrive up to 1 month before your course starts

Arrival in New Zealand

At the Airport

New Zealand has strict biosecurity laws. You must declare any food, plant material, animal products, outdoor equipment, or medications when you arrive.

Step-by-step arrival:

1. Clear immigration — Have your passport and eVisa ready (on your phone is fine). The border officer may ask basic questions about your studies
2. Collect baggage — Standard carousel collection
3. Clear customs and biosecurity — Declare any items on the arrival card. Undeclared items can result in instant fines of NZD 400+
4. Exit the airport — Your university may offer an airport pickup service (arrange this before departure)

Items you MUST declare:

• Any food items (even packaged snacks)
• Wooden items or products containing wood
• Plant material, seeds, or flowers
• Outdoor gear (hiking boots, camping equipment, fishing gear) — may need cleaning
• Medicines and health supplements
• Animal products (leather, wool, feathers)

Your First Week Checklist

The IRD Number

Your IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number is New Zealand's tax identification number. You need one before you can legally work. Apply online through the IRD website — you'll need your passport, visa, and a New Zealand bank account. Processing takes 5–10 working days.

Opening a Bank Account

Major banks for students:

• ANZ — Largest bank in NZ, good online banking
• ASB — Strong mobile app, popular with students
• Westpac — Widely available, student accounts available
• BNZ — Good student account options
• Kiwibank — NZ-owned, good for everyday banking

Most banks allow you to start the application online before arrival. Bring your passport, student visa, and university enrollment letter to complete the process in-branch.

Visa Conditions and Compliance

Once you have your student visa, you must comply with these conditions:

• Attend your course — Maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress
• Work limits — Maximum 20 hours/week during term; full-time during scheduled breaks only
• Insurance — Maintain approved health insurance at all times
• Report address changes — Notify Immigration NZ if you change your address
• Don't overstay — Leave New Zealand before your visa expires, or apply for a new visa before expiry
• Study at your institution — Don't transfer to another institution without updating your visa

Violating visa conditions can result in visa cancellation and potential deportation. If you have problems (failing a course, changing programs), contact your university's international office — they can advise on the immigration implications.

Extending or Changing Your Visa

Extending Your Student Visa

If your program takes longer than expected, you can apply to extend your student visa from within New Zealand. You'll need:

• A letter from your institution confirming continued enrollment
• Updated financial evidence
• Continued health insurance
• NZD 375 application fee

Transitioning to a Post-Study Work Visa

After completing your qualification, you can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa from within New Zealand. This allows you to work for 1–3 years while you gain experience and potentially apply for residence.

Compare health insurance options for New Zealand

Next Steps

• Plan your accommodation — Housing options, cities, and daily life
• Understand costs and funding — Budget planning and financial preparation
• Explore work opportunities — Part-time work and post-study career paths
• Review why New Zealand — Confirm NZ is the right choice for you