What are the new category requirements?

The category applies whether you apply for a variation of conditions or a further student visa.  You will be required to demonstrate that you:

• continue to meet all the student category requirements, 
• have not breached your visa conditions, and 
• are a bona fide applicant.

Applications to change your course and/or education provider will only be approved if we are satisfied that your original student visa would have been issued for the proposed course and/or education provider.  This will include checking the information you provided with your initial student visa application.

What does a ‘bona fide applicant’ mean?

This means that an applicant must satisfy us that the purpose of their temporary entry to New Zealand is genuine, that they will comply with their visa conditions, and that they intend to return to their home country after their temporary stay.  

Why have the changes been introduced?

The category changes respond to concerns regarding the number of international students changing course and/or education provider shortly after arrival.  From an immigration perspective, a robust assessment is required to ensure that students who are changing their course and/or education provider are doing so for genuine reasons and that they continue to meet student instructions.

Who needs to meet these requirements?

All student visa holders who will not be completing the course endorsed on their student visa, and who wish to change their course of study and/or education provider must meet the new requirements. 

Any change to your study conditions (course/education provider/location) will require approval from Immigration New Zealand, including if you wish to study a different course at the same provider; same course at a different provider; or a different course at a different provider.

Students who are progressing on to further study, for example a student in Year 13 who is progressing on to tertiary studies, or a tertiary student who has completed their course and wishes to undertake another tertiary course, will not need to meet the new requirements.

Will I need to apply for a further student visa or a variation of conditions?

You may apply for either a variation of conditions or a further student visa.  However, if the proposed course length is different from your current student visa, you will need to apply for a student visa.

You will also be required to pay the appropriate application fee.

What will happen if I withdraw from my education provider before being granted a variation of conditions or a further visa?

If you withdraw or stop attending the education provider endorsed on your student visa before being granted a variation of conditions or a further visa you will be in breach of your visa conditions.  Applicants who breach their visa conditions may not ordinarily be a granted further visa (or a variation of conditions). 

If you change your course and/or education provider before obtaining approval to do so, this may affect the outcome of your application.  However, each case will be decided on its own merits on a case-by-case basis.  If your application is declined you may become liable for deportation.

I am not in a position to provide evidence of payment of fees for the new course until I receive a refund from my current course, can I still apply to Immigration New Zealand?

Yes, you can.  Students who wish to change their course and/or education provider may submit their application without evidence of payment of course fees.  We will advise you to submit evidence of payment of course fees within an appropriate timeframe if the application is to be approved.

If the Public Trust will transfer the fees to the prospective education provider, will I need to provide evidence that I have paid the course fees for the new course?

Yes, you must provide confirmation from your prospective education provider that they have received the course fees.

I have just arrived in New Zealand, and other people are telling me I can study at other education providers, what should I do?

If you wish to change any of your visa conditions you must contact Immigration New Zealand before taking further action.   

What happens if I have not yet received a decision on my application, can I start the new course while I wait?

You may not start attending the new course and/or education provider until you obtain approval from Immigration New Zealand.

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

Information on approximate processing times is available on the Immigration New Zealand website.  It is recommended that you submit your application one month before your proposed course commencement date.

Where do I send my application?

Send your application to:
Immigration New Zealand
PO Box 1049
Palmerston North