New Zealand is a popular destination for international students due to its beautiful scenery, friendly people, and excellent universities. To study in New Zealand, you will need a Student Visa, and one of the crucial steps in obtaining a student visa is the interview with Immigration New Zealand. Whilst attending an interview with an immigration officer can make anyone anxious, it is possible to glide through the process smoothly with the right preparation and attitude. This blog provides tips and advice on preparing for a New Zealand student visa interview, including common questions and preparation strategies.
While most Student Visa interviews for New Zealand are conducted over the phone, but in some instances, an applicant maybe called for an in-person interview. Whether the interview is in-person or conducted telephonically, the things to be aware of and the preparation required are not significantly different. It is recommended that as soon as you had lodged your student visa application, be prepared to be interviewed. Consider the following factors when preparing for your student visa interview,
The are many sub-categories of Student Visas –Full Fee Paying Student Visa, Exchange Student Visa, Foreign Government Supported Student Visa, Pathway Student Visa etc. Know the exact type of visa you are applying for. This will help you to better prepare for the interview.
The immigration officer may ask you a range of questions during the visa interview, so it’s essential to prepare for a few common questions in advance. Be ready to answer questions about your study plans, why you chose New Zealand, why you want to do a particular course, your academic background, and your future career plans. Practice your responses with a friend or family member to help build confidence.
The questions are intended to assess whether you genuinely intend to study the selected course in New Zealand and are prepared to invest the required time and money to successfully complete the qualification. The more confident you are about your course choice and the clearer you are about how the course will assist you in your career plan, the higher is the likelihood of getting a positive outcome.
Do not panic when you receive the interview call. Try to be calm. If you are outdoors or in a noisy room, ask the officer to give you a minute to find a quiet corner to talk to, or you can request the officer to call back later if you are in a crowded place (like a train). Never make the mistake of not answering the call. Remember that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has offices outside of New Zealand; therefore, you can expect to receive a call from an INZ office closer to you.
It is good to be prepared but avoid memorizing the answers. Let your answers flow naturally. Spontaneity in your answers is the key to a good interview.
The immigration officer seeks genuine students committed to studying in New Zealand. Be honest and open in your responses, and avoid giving generic or rehearsed answers. The more genuine and authentic you are in your responses, the more likely the immigration officer will be convinced of your intentions to study in New Zealand.
Understand the questions and answer to the point. Do not go into a very long-drawn-out explanation as you may lose focus and risk not answering the specific question asked.
If you don’t understand the question, ask the officer to rephrase the question instead of giving an incorrect answer.
Do not be in a hurry to answer the question. Take your time to understand what the Immigration officer is asking, if required seek clarification. Before responding, first gather your thoughts on what you would like to say in response and then articulate your response.
Fluency in English is an important aspect for clearing the New Zealand Student Visa interview. If English is not your first language, then make sure you practice your English language skills with friends/ family well in advance as this will help you during the interview.
Studying abroad can be expensive and New Zealand requires international students to have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies. Make sure you know about the sources of the funding for your tuition fees, scholarships obtained etc.
It’s important to make a good first impression during the visa interview. Dress appropriately and professionally, and arrive early to avoid any last-minute stress. Being punctual also shows the immigration officer that you take the process seriously and are prepared.
During a New Zealand student visa interview, immigration officers typically ask questions to assess whether the applicant is a genuine student and has a valid reason for studying in New Zealand. Here are some common questions that may be asked during a New Zealand student visa interview:
It is essential to prepare for these questions in advance and provide honest and genuine responses. The more confident and prepared you are during the interview, the higher your chances of success in obtaining a New Zealand student visa.
In conclusion, the New Zealand student visa interview is an important step in the process of getting a New Zealand Student Visa. By researching the process, preparing for common questions, being honest and genuine and being aware about your finances, you can increase your chances of success.
With our help, you can increase your chances of success and fulfill your dream of studying in New Zealand.
Good luck with your application!
If you want to study in New Zealand and want our help, then please fill out this form
Get in touch with Immigration Advisors New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know about course options, institute selection and the visa application process, you can contact us at [email protected] or call on +64 09 3790219.
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.