We have seen so many student visa applications getting delayed or rejected because of inadequate knowledge of the visa process and rules. Staying on top of Immigration New
Zealand (INZ) policy changes isn’t just good practice, it’s essential for your future. Recent updates to visa rules could drastically affect your study journey, work rights, and long-term plans in New Zealand.
There are updates to NZ student and work visa rules that affect both offshore and inshore students. Let’s break down what has changed and what it means for you.
Since 31 March 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has been exercising new powers under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. Applications prepared or submitted by people who aren’t properly licensed or legally exempt will be automatically declined. Application denial also applies if you have taken immigration advice from an unlicensed or non-exempt individual. This change applies to both online and paper applications.
Only these groups can legally help with your visa application:
It’s important to mention here that offshore student visa advisers are not required to have a New Zealand immigration adviser licence if they provide advice on student visa applications only and the advice is given outside of New Zealand. They cannot give immigration advice on any other immigration matter whether they are in or outside New Zealand.
Getting help from the wrong person now carries serious consequences. Your application will be immediately declined or returned, wasting precious time and application fees. This could also affect how Immigration New Zealand views your future applications.
Always check if your immigration adviser is legitimate before paying for services. You can verify immigration advisers through the Immigration Advisers Register and NZ lawyers through the NZ Law Society Register.
This strict approach aims to protect students from poor advice and potential visa scams. Make sure anyone helping with your application has proper credentials as your educational future in New Zealand depends on it.
Learn more about this update on the Immigration New Zealand website.
From 3 February 2025, INZ has adjusted how they process student visa applications for those already studying in New Zealand. If you’re changing your course or education provider while in New Zealand, your application now gets priority treatment over other types of student visa applications.
For all other student visa applications, the standard “first in, first out” approach still applies. This means applications are processed in the order received.
If you are applying for a student visa while in New Zealand:
Student visa applications missing key information may face significant delays or outright rejection. The aim of this change is to help current international students transition smoothly between courses without unnecessary study gaps. By submitting complete applications with all required documents, you’ll give yourself the best chance of a quick, positive outcome under these new priority rules.
Learn more about this student visa update from the Immigration New Zealand website.
Good news for postgraduate diploma students. Since 19 November 2024, Immigration New Zealand has expanded Post Study Work Visa eligibility. Now, a postgraduate diploma on its own (minimum 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand) qualifies you for a PSWV, even if your subsequently completed Master’s degree is not qualified for PSWV. The application window has also been extended. You now have 12 months after completing your postgraduate diploma qualification to apply for your PSWV, giving you more flexibility with your post-graduation plans.
The duration of a post study work visa for a postgraduate diploma is the same as the duration of the qualification (generally, one year) provided the study was full-time and at least 30 weeks in New Zealand. If you want to increase the duration of post study work visa to 3 years, you need to complete a level 9 or 10 qualification full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand.
In this update, there are also three changes made to the list of qualifications eligible for a post study work visa to align it more with the Green List. Read about these changes on the Immigration New Zealand website.
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.