2014-Jun 27: Student visas for dependents of workers

Visa Pak 168: Information for staff on the domestic fee status for student visas for dependents of workers under U8.20 and U3.35

Visa Paks

27 June 2014

Student visas for dependents of workers

There has been confusion among some work visa holders, in particular workers in the Canterbury region, regarding tuition fees for their dependent children who intend to undertake tertiary education in New Zealand. Some workers were not aware that domestic fee status does not extend to tertiary education and this has generated complaints.

Immigration instructions U8.20 and U3.35

Under U8.20 dependent children of holders of work visas may be granted a student visa. Their dependent children are considered to be domestic students for the purposes of attending primary and secondary schools and are exempt from paying foreign tuition fees. Dependents of workers are not considered domestic students for the purposes of attending tertiary education irrespective of their age. This is covered under immigration instructions U3.35.

Domestic fee status is determined by the Ministry of Education and a student visa granted under a U8.20 will not entitle a person to domestic fee status for tertiary education.

Student visa approval letter

In the interests of customer service and avoiding confusion, if you issue an approval letter to a student who has been approved a visa under U8.20, and if the applicant is 16 years or older, please include the statement below in your letter.
Please note that dependents of workers are not considered domestic students for the purposes of attending tertiary education in New Zealand and will be required to pay international student fees if they attend a tertiary education provider.

Please inform staff who process student visa applications.