As an international full time, student studying in New Zealand (NZ) you need one of the three types of study visa: <br> • Fee paying student visa: for students studying full time up to four years <br> • Foreign government supported student visa: for students who are receiving a scholarship or loan from a foreign government in order to fund studies <br> • Pathway student visa: for students who will be studying more than one program consecutively <br> The most common visa international students require for NZ is the fee-paying student visa; it costs NZ$295 to apply online from outside of NZ.

New Zealand study visa process (fee paying student)

• Receive an offer letter: your chosen institution will send you an offer letter for you to accept, and then you’ll have to pay any upfront tuition and accommodation fees.
• Get a medical exam: you’ll need to have a medical examination by a doctor approved by Immigration New Zealand.
• Get a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): you can get a clearance certificate from a Regional Passport office or from the Deputy Commissioner of Police for your area.
• Create an account and apply online: you may also be given the option to apply via post. Make sure to keep your payment receipt from your application fee.
• Receive a decision: the time it takes to receive a decision on your visa varies depending on the country you are applying from. You should always try to apply three months before your course starts.

New Zealand student visa processing time

The amount of time it takes to process your visa will vary based on a range of factors. However, the New Zealand government have reported that:
• 50% of applications are processed within 13 days
• 75% of applications are processed within 24 days
• 90& of applications are processed within 46 days
That means you can expect to get your visa in between two and seven weeks.

NZ visas for student dependents

Your spouse or partner may be able to join you in New Zealand with a Partner of a Student Work Visa, however the restrictions around this mean the majority of students won’t be eligible.
You must be studying towards a Level 7 or 8 qualification on New Zealand’s Long-Term Skill Shortage List, or a Level 9 or 10 qualification in order for your partner to join you in New Zealand. If you’re unsure of the level you are studying at, your university will be able to tell you.

NZ student visa requirements

At some point throughout the application for a NZ student visa, you may be asked for the following:
• Confirmation of an offer
• Documents to show you can support yourself such as bank statements
• Passport standard photographs
• Valid passport
• Medical certificate
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical and travel insurance
• English language proficiency test results (recommended IELTS 5.5 and above)
• Payment receipts
• Proof of onward travel or enough funds to buy transport home

Working with a Fee-Paying Student visa

On a Fee-Paying Student visa for New Zealand you are able to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and as often as you want during university holidays. Master’s by research and PhD students are exempt from this limit and can work as many hours as they wish.

QS World University Ranking 2024 - Top Universities in New Zealand

Universities and Ranking(2024)
The University of Auckland - 87,
University of Otago - 206,
Victoria University of Wellington - 241,
University of Canterbury - 256, Massey University - 239,
University of Waikato - 250, Lincoln University - 362,
Auckland University of Technology - 407

Working in New Zealand can offer professional opportunities and a high quality of life. The country is known for its stunning landscapes, friendly communities, and work-life balance. Additionally, New Zealand has a strong economy, diverse job sectors, and a welcoming environment for expatriates. The work culture often emphasizes collaboration and innovation, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling career.

Types of New Zealand work visa

• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
• Accredited Employer Work Visa
• Long Term Skill Shortage List Visa
• New Zealand Diplomatic Visa
• Talent Accredited Employer Resident Visa
• Post Study Work Visa
• Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa
• Supplementary Seasonal Employment SSE Work Visa
• Specific Purpose Work Visa
• New Zealand Working Holiday Visa
• Entertainers Work Visa

Benefits of working in New Zealand

• Ample job opportunities
• Work 40 hours per week
• Work life balance
• Earn good salaries
• High standard of living
• Great climate
• Health insurance
• Strong economy

Eligibility to apply for New Zealand work visa <br> Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

• Must have a job offer from an accredited employer.
• Must be 55 years of age or younger.
• Need to get 6 points to qualify.
• Proof of your qualifications and work experience.

Accredited Employer Work Visa

• Have a job offer from an accredited employer.
• You need to be offered at least 30 hours of work per week.
• Must be offered with a pay which is equal or median wage.

Talent Accredited Employer Resident Visa

• To apply for this visa, you should have been employed in New Zealand for more than 2 years by an accredited employer
• In order to qualify, you need have an on-going employment with your accredited employer and earn the minimum salary.

Long Term Skill Shortage List Visa

• You have to be in New Zealand at that time.
• You must have a work visa of Long-term skill shortage list, and should have it held for at least 2 years.
• Have a salary of at least NZ $45,000.

New Zealand Diplomatic Visa

• You need to be 18 years or age or older.
• You are eligible to apply if you are allowed to work for the consular, diplomatic, and for the official staff of New Zealand as a cook, nanny, driver, or gardener.
• Provide a statement of undertaking fulfilled by your employer.
• Provide a declaration showing acceptance.

Post Study Work Visa

• You will be eligible to apply for this visa if you have completed your studies recently in New Zealand.
• Should have a degree that would gain points under the New Zealand Immigration Skilled Migrant Category.
• Should have qualifications of level 4 or higher based on New Zealand Qualifications Framework.

Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa

• Must have a job offer.
• You need to have the skills to work in the Viticulture and Horticulture industries.

Supplementary Seasonal Employment SSE Work Visa

• You should be in New Zealand on a visit or study visa to be eligible to apply for this visa.
• Must be 18 years or older to apply.
• This visa allows you to do tasks such as harvesting, planting, maintaining, or packing crops in the Viticulture and Horticulture sectors.
• This is valid for 6 months from the date of approval.

`Specific Purpose Work Visa

• Candidates coming for a specific work or event are eligible to apply.
• You can stay in the country until you fulfil the purpose of your duration for specific work.

New Zealand Entertainers Visa

• Candidates applying under this visa must have skills in the entertainment industry i.e., film, video, or production.

Requirements to apply for a New Zealand work visa

• A valid passport (with blank pages)
• 2 passport-sized photos of yourself
• Valid job offers
• Proof of your academic qualifications
• Proof that you are of good character
• An application form completed in English
• Proficiency in the English language
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of flight tickets or reservations
• A medical certificate
• Proof of finances in the form of a bank statement to support your stay

Steps to apply for New Zealand work visa

Step 1: Have a valid job offer from an employer in New Zealand
Step 2: Choose and apply for the visa you are looking for
Step 3: Gather all the important documents and ensure you meet all the requirements
Step 4: Apply for the visa; you can apply it online or at the Embassy/Consulate in person and submit
Step 5: Once your application is approved, you will receive your visa

New Zealand work visa cost

Visa Type and Visa Cost : Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa - NZD $4,890
Accredited Employer Work Visa - NZD $750
New Zealand Diplomatic Visa - NZ $635 — $775
Long Term Skill Shortage List Visa - NZD $4,240
Post Study Work Visa - NZD $625 — $860
Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa - NZD $280 — $435
Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work Visa - NZ $630 — $750
Specific Purpose Work Visa - NZD $620 — $745
New Zealand Working Holiday Visa - NZD $455
Entertainers Work Visa - NZ $735 — $815

TOURIST VISA

Visit in New Zealand

Visa class: Traditional (requires embassy visit) Difficulty rating: 32 out of 100 Our approval rate: 94% Visa details: Multiple-entry Validity: 1.5 years Maximum stay: 9 months (270 days) within 18 months Average processing time: About 30 days Which New Zealand Tourist Visa do Indian citizens need? Indian citizens require the New Zealand Visitor Visa, which allows multiple entries over 1.5 years. What is the New Zealand Visitor Visa? The New Zealand Visitor Visa is an official travel document that allows temporary entry to the country for purposes such as: Tourism activities. Playing sports and participating in cultural activities (without getting paid). Visiting a family member or friend. Short studies for less than 3 months. Getting married (additional conditions may apply). This visa requires submitting documents at the embassy in India, but our guidance can help you apply with confidence. Eligibility criteria to get the New Zealand Visa from India Before you start the application process, ensure you meet the following requirements: You have no criminal record You are in good health and do not pose a risk to New Zealand society. Your visit will not exceed 9 months. You can show proof of sufficient financial means or a sponsorship letter. If these criteria are met, you can confidently move forward with your application! Validity of the New Zealand Visitor Visa The New Zealand Visitor Visa is valid for up to 1.5 years and allows multiple entries. You can stay in New Zealand for 270 days (9 months) during this period. This gives you plenty of flexibility to return and explore the country as often as you like.