Study in New Zealand (contd)
You should always ensure that your Visa or Student Permit is current and note when it expires
so you can renew it in plenty of time. If your Permit expires and you are still in New Zealand, you will be here illegally. It is strongly recommended that you allow at least two weeks to have your
Permit renewed so there is time for it to be processed and your passport returned to you. If you haven’t finished your study when your Permit expires, you may be able to renew it if you still meet the conditions.
The New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) issues Student Visas and Permits.
If you have any questions about your Student Visa or Permit, check online at: www.immigration.govt.nz or at your nearest NZIS branch, or phone free on: 914 400 (in Auckland) or 0508 558 855 (from other parts of New Zealand).
If you have a ‘limited purposes’ Visa or Permit, once it has expired it cannot be renewed except, very rarely, in extreme circumstances.
Student Permit applications in Auckland are done through the post or you can put the forms into the box at NZIS offices in Auckland. Your passport and documents will be returned to you by courier within seven working days. If you are in a city other than Auckland, you can download an application form from the NZIS website, complete the form and either post it or take it with your passport to the nearest NZIS office.
Renewing your Student Permit
Your Visa or Student Permit will be renewed only if you have kept to the conditions of your permit. When renewing your Visa or Student Permit you may be required to provide evidence of your course attendance.
You can renew your Student Permit yourself by completing the necessary forms and providing the required documentation. Ask your education provider for help if you need it. NZIS also has a special arrangement with most of the major education providers which enables you to renew your Student Permit on campus.
If you wish to change from your original enrolment to another education provider, you will need to update your Student Permit. Take with you a record of your attendance, which your school or institution can give you. A valid Student Permit must have details of your actual education provider.
Agents
Immigration agents offer to renew Student Permits for a fee and may approach you with offers to help. Some agents may suggest that you would be better off studying at another institution and offer to assist your enrolment at a new education provider. This offer is often not in your best interests but will earn the agent a commission. The agent will probably charge you a fee and will certainly receive a fee from the new education provider. The tuition you receive at the new institution may be of a lower standard than offered by the institution you came to New Zealand to study at, and the change may disrupt your long-term study goals. Such a change may also affect your ability to get a further Student Permit.
If an agent suggests changing education provider, discuss it fully with the student support centre where you are enrolled, with your agent at home and with your parents. Their advice will be in your best interests and in the interest of the long-term study and life goals you came to New Zealand with.
Immigration agents offer to renew Student Permits for a fee and may approach you with offers to help. Some agents may suggest that you would be better off studying at another institution and offer to assist your enrolment at a new education provider. This offer is often not in your best interests but will earn the agent a commission. The agent will probably charge you a fee and will certainly receive a fee from the new education provider. The tuition you receive at the new institution may be of a lower standard than offered by the institution you came to New Zealand to study at, and the change may disrupt your long-term study goals. Such a change may also affect your ability to get a further Student Permit.
If an agent suggests changing education provider, discuss it fully with the student support centre where you are enrolled, with your agent at home and with your parents. Their advice will be in your best interests and in the interest of the long-term study and life goals you came to New Zealand with.
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