Immigration New Zealand has enhanced the process for student visa applications by providing staff with more efficient assessment tools and letter templates. This improvement allows for faster processing and quicker communication of application outcomes to applicants.
There has been a 20% increase in student visa applications compared to the peak period in 2022/2023. High volumes of applications are also expected from February to March 2024 as current students in New Zealand apply for subsequent visas.
To manage this demand, we have increased the number of staff processing applications and equipped them with better tools and letter templates. This leads to clearer and more consistent communication in decision letters.
Despite the higher volume of applications, we have seen an increase in complex cases requiring more time. To ensure timely assessment, please include all necessary information in your application. We regularly update our student visa information sheets on the INZ website to assist international students with their visa applications.