Processing Time forStudent Visa Application
The processing time for student visa application depend on the application andcan vary from 15 to 90 working days.Student Visaapplications are categorized into Positive Profile category “A” Applications,Positive Profile category “B” Applications and other Student Visa Applicationsdepending on the risks perceived in the application by the visa officer. Visaapplication processing times for these categories are as below:
- Positive profile category “A” applications – 15 working days
- Positive profile category “B” applications – 30 working days
- Other student visa applications – 75 to 90 working days
Factors used todetermine if an application can be categorized as Positive Profile are:
- Good Academic Record
- IELTS Academic Test Score of at least 5.5
- Immediate family’s verifiable evidence of funds to meet the educational and living expenses in NZ – including paper trails to explain any recent large deposits in accounts;
- Regular source of sufficient income of financial guarantors;
- Intended course of study relevant to qualifications and/or work experience
- Career progression opportunities
- Clear health & character requirements
In addition to theabove factors, to be categorized as a Positive Profile Category “A” Applicant,you must have:
- An overall score of 6.5 or above in IELTS Academic Test
- Offer of Place to study a course which is at NQF Level 7 or above
Once all the visa documentation requirements are met, the New Zealand HighCommission will advise you that the visa application has been approved inprincipal. For the visa issuance, the following have to be submitted within 1month of getting the Approval in Principal:
- Fee Receipt issued by New Zealand Institution towards payment of tuition deposit for the 1st year of study.
- Any other documents suggested by the High Commission.
Visa Issuance wouldtake at least 5 working days after the above documents are received at the NewZealand High Commission.