Key Insights on Student Visa Applications
19 November 2024
In a recent webinar hosted by Immigration New Zealand and Education New Zealand for education agents, lawyers and licensed advisers, we were briefed on the evolving landscape of student visa applications and the increasing scrutiny being placed on these by Immigration New Zealand.
The webinar highlighted several critical areas of focus for prospective students, their sponsors and their agents;
Increasing scrutiny on financials and origin of funds
One of the primary concerns for Immigration New Zealand is ensuring that applicants have sufficient funds to support their studies without resorting to excessive work hours, which could lead to exploitation.
Applicants must now provide detailed evidence of their financial resources, including:
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- Source of Funds: It’s not enough to show you have the money; you must also demonstrate where it came from and how it was earned.
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- Ownership and Duration: Proof that the funds are genuinely yours and have been held for a significant period.
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- Payment Verification: When paying tuition fees, you may need to show who made the payment and confirm it aligns with the details in your visa application.
Bona Fides and Genuine Intent
Immigration New Zealand is keen on ensuring that applicants are genuinely coming to study and not for other purposes. Applicants need;
- Clear Statement of Purpose: Applicants must provide a personal statement outlining their reasons for studying in New Zealand, written by themselves.
- Post-Study Plans: Evidence that students have plans to return home after their studies, including ties to their home country such as family and employment.
Risk Profiling by Country
The risk profile of applicants varies significantly based on their country of origin. Some countries are considered higher risk due to economic conditions and historical data on visa compliance. We are seeing:
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- Higher Scrutiny for Certain Countries: Applicants from countries like Somalia, Nigeria, Iran, and Russia may face more stringent checks.
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- Trusted Countries: Conversely, applicants from countries like Japan, China, and the USA might experience a smoother process.
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- Avoiding Asylum Risks: With a significant increase in asylum applications, Immigration New Zealand is cautious about student visa holders seeking asylum.
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- Increased Vigilance: Ensuring that student visa applicants are not using their status as a means to seek asylum.
Post-Study Work Visa Conditions
The conditions for post-study work visas have also become more stringent. Some significant changes are;
Course Completion: Students must complete their courses successfully to qualify for post-study work visas.
Level of Study: The level of the course impacts the duration and type of post-study work visa granted. For example, downgrading from a master’s to a postgraduate diploma may affect visa eligibility.
Summary
The webinar underscored the importance of thorough preparation and genuine intent for those seeking to study in New Zealand. By understanding and adhering to these updated requirements, prospective students can improve their chances of a successful visa application. For more information on studying in New Zealand, feel free to get in touch with us.
This blog post aims to provide an overview of the key points discussed in the Immigration New Zealand webinar. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
