Changes Brought to New Zealand Student Visa Processing

The Immigration Department of New Zealand (INZ) has taken steps to improve the process for deciding student visa applications. This includes giving the immigration staff more efficient assessment tools and templates for better evaluation and processing of the New Zealand student visa. This will help the visa applicants get the outcome of their visa application sooner. 

In 2024, New Zealand saw a 20% rise in the number of student visa applications compared to the peak period in 2022-23. The government is also expecting high numbers of student visa applications by the end of March 2024 from students already in New Zealand who will apply for their second or subsequent visas. 

In order to take productive measures against the surge in New Zealand student visas, the INZ has also increased the number of staff members who process the application. As they are provided with better tools and templates for evaluation, the INZ is expecting more consistent communication in decision letters. 

The hurdles don’t just stop at the surge in student visa applications, the INZ has also seen an increase in complex New Zealand visa applications, which will require more time in order to be evaluated to the marks set by the INZ. 

In 2022 alone, 8810 Indian students applied for a New Zealand student visa. Out of the 8810 students, only 5,074 got their student visa, which was 58% of the applicants. Around 3,823 students from India have declined a New Zealand student visa. 

Each year, approximately 90,000 international students visit New Zealand for future studies. Out of these 90,000, the number of Indian students enrolled in New Zealand has grown by 28%. The highest rate of transition to work is also held by Indian students by a staggering figure of 72%. Don’t forget to follow Amber Newsroom to get more such updates. If you are a student accommodation provider, you can list your property with us on our website.