Some students in Waikato are waiting until July to start their studies due to delays in processing student visas. Others are looking at different options.
Immigration New Zealand has received more international student visa applications lately, about 31,800 from October to March. They approved around 20,800, but 2,200 were declined.
As of March 11, about 8,800 applications are still being processed, affecting about 100 students going to Waikato University.
The delays are because Immigration NZ is dealing with more applications since offshore offices are closed.
To avoid delays, students should apply four months before they plan to travel, and it usually takes 27 weekdays for a visa to process. If applying from offshore, it might take around 29 days, and if onshore, about 23 days.
Student Visa Delays, Waikato Universities, International Students, Impact, Visa Processing