Apply early and get ahead of the student visa peak

Applying for your visa early gives you the best chance to have a decision made in time for your study. The processing of student visas is a priority for us, particularly as we get closer to peak times.

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.

Student visa wait times

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.