You can apply for a variation of conditions to your current visa if:

• you hold visitor visa and wish to study part time for longer than three months.
• you hold a work visa and wish to complete formal study or training for more than three months*.
• you hold a student visa and want to change your course of study and/or education provider. Want to know more about changing courses and/or education providers? 
• you are on a student visa and want to work while studying.

* If you hold a work visa and your course of study or training is authorised by your employer as part of your employment, then you don't need a variation of conditions.

Students Online

If your education provider is certified with Students Online you can make your application at your nearest certified educational institute.

If your educational provider is not certified with Students Online, you'll need to apply for a variation of conditions using the following application steps.

The application steps

Complete the form

Print and complete the Application for Variation of Conditions form (INZ 1020) PDF. If you cannot print the form, it is available from your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch.

Make sure you submit everything we require, including the fee

Along with your completed and signed variation of conditions form you will need to provide:

• the variation of conditions fee
• evidence that you have been offered a place at a New Zealand education provider, or
• a signed agreement with an Industry Training Organisation
• evidence you have paid, or are exempt from paying, the course fees*
• a completed Financial Undertaking for a Student (INZ 1014) PDF or Sponsorship for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025) PDF or evidence that you have sufficient funds (student and visitor visa holders only)
• a copy of a guarantee of accommodation (student visa holders only).
  

*If you are applying for a variation of conditions to allow you to study a different course and/or at a different education provider, you may provide this evidence once the application is approved in principle.

Lodge your application

Your application must be sent to your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch. 

However, if you are in New Zealand on a work or visitor visa and wish to study full time for more than three months, you will need to apply for a student visa. You can do this at any time before your current visa expires.

Remember to allow enough time for a decision to be made on your application before your current visa expires. If your current visa does expire, your application for a further visa does not make your stay in New Zealand lawful or give you the right to remain in New Zealand.

New Zealand law prohibits any person on a temporary entry class visa, including a student visa, from providing commercial sexual services or operating or investing in a business which provides such services.

To help you make sure you have everything you need to apply, please print out our checklist.