Visa Types
VFS Global New Zealand
New Zealand High Commission
Important Links
(Ministry of External Affairs, India)
Tourist Place
Study in New Zealand
Find out what documents you need to study in New Zealand.
Key Points for New Zealand Student Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to New Zealand?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to New Zealand
New Zealand visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online from the govt official website
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a New Zealand visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a New Zealand visa, but it may vary.
The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a student visa?
On a student visa, you can stay for up to 4 years (depending upon your study program).
What kind of visa will we acquire from New Zealand?
The embassy will digitally link your visa to your passport. You will not get a label in your passport.
You will receive an E-Visa from the Embassy, which you can access through your Account.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
For Study Visa- NZD $735
Click here for more information
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
Step 1. Identify visa type
- To identify the appropriate visa type for New Zealand, determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, work, study, or joining family, as each category has specific visa requirements.
- Visit the official website of Immigration New Zealand or consult the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate for comprehensive information on visa categories, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.
- Carefully review the documentation, financial, and health requirements for the chosen visa type to ensure a successful visa application process for New Zealand.
Step 2. Begin your application
To begin your visa application process, you can visit the Immigration New Zealand website and apply online. Alternatively, you can download the visa application form from the website, complete it, and print it out. Then, you can bring the completed form along with the required supporting documents to the Visa Application Centre for submission. You can also submit your application by post/mail if you prefer. The Visa Application Centre accepts submissions in person, through an authorized representative, or by post during business hours.
Step 3. Book an appointment
To apply for a visa, you will need to choose a Visa Application Centre and schedule an appointment to submit your application in person. Alternatively, you can send your application by courier or mail to the NZVAC address. After booking your appointment, you will receive an appointment confirmation email and letter if you are applying in person. It’s important to note that walk-ins are not allowed, and individual appointments must be booked for each family or group member. This is done to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in the application process.
Step 4. Pay your fees
After deciding on the visa you need to apply for, you must pay the visa application fee. If you apply online, payment will be made during the application process. If you download the application form, payment can be made at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment. Check the links provided for information on the visa fees and VFS Global service fees.
Step 5. Visit a Visa Application Centre
Submitting your visa application involves visiting the Visa Application Centre in person or sending an authorized representative to submit it on your behalf. You will need to bring all the required documents, the visa application form, and the payment of the visa application fee. The staff at the Visa Application Centre will verify that all the required documents are present, accept payment of the visa application fee, and will help you with any queries related to your visa application. Once your application is accepted, you will be given a receipt, which you should keep safe as it will be required later in the process.
Step 6. Track your application
After submitting your visa application, you will receive a decision from Immigration New Zealand via email. If you want to keep track of the progress of your application or get detailed tracking information for your return courier, you may also be able to sign up for SMS updates directly to your phone. Check with the Visa Application Centre you applied at to see if this service is available.
Step 7. Collect your documents
After we have completed the processing of your visa application and verified that all the necessary documents are submitted, we will return your documents to you either in-person or by courier. In some Visa Application Centres, documents are only returned via courier. Please note that the return of your documents may take a few business days depending on your location. We advise you to track your return courier to ensure its safe and timely delivery.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for a New Zealand Study Visa from India, it is essential to ensure that you have all the necessary documents to support your application. Here is a detailed document checklist to help you:
1. Offer of Admission:
- Letter of Acceptance: Official letter from a recognized New Zealand education provider confirming your acceptance into a full-time course.
2. Financial Documents:
- Tuition Fee Payment: Receipt or evidence of payment for your tuition fees.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements or financial documents showing sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel.
- Sponsorship Documents: If you are being sponsored, provide a sponsorship letter, financial statements, and identity documents of the sponsor.
3. Health and Travel Insurance:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in New Zealand.
- Travel Insurance: Evidence of travel insurance coverage during your journey to and from New Zealand.
4. Proof of English Proficiency:
- English Language Test Results: Provide results of an approved English language test, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
5. Educational Documents:
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates: Official transcripts and certificates from your previous educational institutions.
- English Translations: If your documents are not in English, provide certified translations.
6. Passport and Photographs:
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond the intended duration of your stay in New Zealand.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs meeting the specifications outlined by the New Zealand government.
7. Visa Application Forms and Fee:
- Completed Visa Application Form: Fill out the student visa application form accurately and completely.
- Application Fee: Pay the required visa application fee.
8. Character Documents:
- Police Clearance Certificate: Provide a police clearance certificate or a police record from your country of residence.
9. Accommodation and Support:
- Accommodation Confirmation: Evidence of your accommodation arrangements in New Zealand, such as a rental agreement, homestay agreement, or university hostel confirmation.
- Guarantor’s Documents: If you have a guarantor in New Zealand, provide their documents, such as a letter of support and proof of their immigration status.
10. Statement of Purpose:
- Statement of Purpose: A written statement explaining your motivation for studying in New Zealand, your course of study, and your future plans.
11. Other Supporting Documents:
- Medical Certificate: Some students may be required to undergo a medical examination. Check the specific requirements on the New Zealand immigration website.
- Relationship Documents: If you are accompanied by family members, provide proof of your relationship, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates.
Remember to check the official website of the Government of New Zealand or the New Zealand embassy in India for the most up-to-date and detailed information on the requirements for a New Zealand Study Visa from India. It’s essential to submit all the required documents accurately and provide any additional documents specific to your situation.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To submit our visa application, we need to provide a list of forms as required.
You need a RealMe account to apply for a visa online. RealMe is designed to protect yourprivacy and is a service used by many New Zealand businesses and government departments.
RealMe Account: Login or create account
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Please find below a step-by-step guide on the process of acquiring a visa.
After receiving admission approval from a New Zealand educational institution, you can proceed with the study visa application process. Here are the steps involved:
- Offer of Place: Accept the Offer of Place from the educational institution and ensure you have all the necessary documents mentioned in the offer.
- Create an Immigration Online Account: Register and create an account on the Immigration New Zealand website to begin the visa application process.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare the required documents, including a valid passport, Offer of Place letter, proof of financial ability, health and character certificates, and evidence of English language proficiency (if required).
- Complete Online Application: Log in to your Immigration Online Account and complete the online visa application form. Provide accurate information and upload the required documents.
- Pay Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa application fee using the payment options provided by Immigration New Zealand.
- Medical Examination: If required, undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician and submit the medical certificate as part of your visa application.
- Police Clearance: Provide a police clearance certificate from your home country or any other country where you have lived for a certain period, if requested.
- Submit Application: Once all the necessary information and documents are completed, submit your visa application online through the Immigration New Zealand website.
- Wait for Processing: Your visa application will be processed by Immigration New Zealand. The processing time may vary, so it is important to check the official processing times on their website.
- Visa Decision: You will receive a notification about the decision on your visa application. If approved, you will be issued a student visa.
- Plan Travel and Arrangements: Once you receive your student visa, you can start making travel arrangements to New Zealand, including booking flights, accommodation, and preparing for your studies.
It is important to note that the specific requirements and process may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the type of study program you will be pursuing. It is recommended to consult the official website of Immigration New Zealand for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
1. Decide which visa to apply for
Welcome to the Apply Now section of our New Zealand Visa Website. We offer a range of visa options to meet your needs. Our visa options include:
Please explore our visa options carefully, and use our visa search and comparison tool to find and compare visas. Please note that some visas require you to submit an expression of interest (EOI) first, and wait for an invitation to apply.
2. Gather your documents
To support your visa application, you’ll need to upload relevant documents and photos. Please make sure to provide:
- A visa photo of yourself that meets our requirements
- Medical and police certificates in English
- Other supporting documents in English, along with their original or certified copies
The required documents may vary depending on your situation and the type of visa you’re applying for. If you’re submitting an online application, some visa types may only require medical certificates after your application has been submitted and processed.
3. Create a RealMe account
For most visas, you need a RealMe account before you can access the online application. We will direct you to set up your RealMe account when you apply.
How to create a RealMe account
You do not need a RealMe account for:
- Working Holiday Visas
- expressions of interest for Skilled Migrant Category Visas.
4. Complete your online application and pay
Upload any supporting documents and photographs and pay the fee. You can pay by credit card (Mastercard, Visa or UnionPay).
5. After you apply
We will contact you if we need any more information.
How long you wait for a decision about your visa depends on a number of factors, including:
- which visa you applied for
- where do you apply from
- how many other visa applications we have received.
NOTE- We receive high numbers of applications between November and March. This means it may take us longer to process your visa application during this time.