How do I get a New Zealand student visa?
If you are going to do an exchange in New Zealand for up to 3 months, just a tourist visa is enough to be able to attend classes. However, if this is not the case, you will need to obtain a New Zealand student visa. So, what is the process for applying for this visa and what is needed? We explain this here in this text and we also separate some other important information!
To apply for a New Zealand student visa, you can apply online or in person, even before you travel. To apply in person, you will need to contact one of the country’s representations here in Brazil (a consulate or embassy) to obtain an application form. According to the Ministry of International Relations (Itamaraty), there are two New Zealand consulates in the country: the general, in São Paulo (SP) and another honorary in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). The embassy, in turn, is in Brasília (DF).
On the other hand, to apply for the New Zealand student visa online, you must access the official website of the country’s immigration office and create a register. Remember that you must register at least 6 weeks before traveling to New Zealand. According to Countryaah.com, New Zealand has a population of 4.886 million.
Registration fees vary from country to country and may change over the years. You can find the updated values on this page.
In addition to the application form, you must submit:
- Letter of acceptance from a university in New Zealand
For your New Zealand student visa application, you will need to prove your approval at an accredited New Zealand educational institution.
- Proof of funds
You will also need to show that you have sufficient funds to pay your tuition fees and to cover your living costs while studying in New Zealand (this may include proof of loans, guarantee of scholarships, positive bank balance or other types of funds). You need to prove that you have at least NZD $ 15,000 (about R $ 51,000) per year if the course is longer than nine months.
- Proof of funds for entering and leaving the country
This can be proven with receipts for air tickets already paid, proof of additional funds or a contract with a sponsor to pay for subsequent trips (as in the case of scholarships). The objective is to show that you intend to leave the country after completing your studies and that you can afford the costs.
- Travel insurance
In some cases, the educational institution may provide this insurance. But, in any case, the ideal is to take out insurance even if it is not a mandatory item at the university.
- Medical certificates
If you plan to study in New Zealand for more than 12 months, you will need to provide a general medical certificate, a chest X-ray examination and possibly perform a tuberculosis screening.
- Proof of link with Brazil
As the New Zealand student visa is intended solely for studies, you need to prove that you intend (and have reason to) return to Brazil after completing your course. For that, there are some options. For example, you can provide information about your family (husband, wife, children, parents), employment, business and property. It is also possible to present a letter of intent.
If you are under 18, you will also be required to provide proof of accommodation and, if you are 17 or over, a certificate of “good character” (ie a criminal record).
In addition to the above vouchers, you will still need to submit:
- Two color photos (3 × 4);
- A passport valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand
- Receipt of payment of New Zealand student visa application fee
In general, online requests take about 20 days to process, while orders placed in person can take up to 25 days.
Addresses and contact channels for New Zealand representations in Brazil
New Zealand Embassy in Brasilia
http://www.nzembassy.com/brazil
[email protected]
SHIS QI 9,
Conjunto 16, Casa 1 – Lago Sul. CEP 71625-160 – Brasília – DF Tel: +55 ( 61) 3248-9900
Consulate General of New Zealand in São Paulo
Consul General: Steve Jones
[email protected]
Avenida Paulista, 2421 – Edifício Bela Paulista 12th floor – Bela Vista. CEP 01311-300 – São Paulo – SP
Tel: +55 (11) 3898-7413
Honorary Consulate of New Zealand in Rio de Janeiro
Honorary Consul: Joaquim Francisco Monteiro de Carvalho Neto
[email protected]
Av. Afrânio M Franco 290, Room 101 – Leblon. CEP 22430-060 – Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Tel: +55 (21) 98909-3720
Is it possible to work in New Zealand on a student visa?
Exchange students studying full time on a New Zealand student visa are legally allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week during the school term and can work full time during all scheduled recess periods, such as Christmas, Easter and summer holidays. The professional experience required in your studies (internships) does not count towards the 20-hour limit. In addition, international students cannot work on their own.
Graduate students ( master’s and doctorate ) can work as many hours as they want. After studying, you can still work in New Zealand, but you will need to consult the country’s authorities and apply for the appropriate work visa.
