Visa Requirements
IEI staff can help answer question about which visa you require to study at IEI. The most common options would be:
Visitor Visa: if you plan to study at IEI less than 12 weeks; some countries have visa-free status with NZ, so you can arrive at the airport and get your visa on arrival. Check to see if your country is on this list. Visa-free countries - Immigration New Zealand
Student Visa: if you plan to study at IEI more than 12 weeks you must apply for a Student Visa
Working Holiday Visa: if you are from a country on the Working Holiday Visa list and would like to study, work and live in NZ for up to one year; you may study for up to 3 months on this visa*
(* please check the conditions for each country as the study lengths allowed do vary)
Other visas may also be applicable to you depending on your situation, such as Guardian Visa. Please ask us if you have any questions or contact a representative of Immigration New Zealand (INZ): www.immigration.govt.nz
Some Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know which visa I should apply for?
- How do I apply for my visa?
- How long will it take to get my visa?
- What happens if my visa application is denied?
- Once I’m already at IEI and if I decide to extend my course, is this possible?
- Is it possible to work while I’m studying at IEI?
- Who can apply for a working holiday visa for New Zealand?
How do I know which visa I should apply for?
Please ask your IEI representative, or contact INZ directly for more information about the visa best suited to you. It will depend on how long you plan to study in NZ as outlined above.
All information can be obtained from IEI or from INZ about the application process, but normally you would need to firstly apply to IEI and show your IEI enrolment documents, then pay your fees and obtain an IEI Fees Receipt to prove you have paid for your course, along with evidence that you have enough money to support yourself while you study and live in New Zealand. You may need to have a medical check but this depends on the length of the course and which country you come from. To find out which embassy you should contact for more information about your application and prices, please check here: INZOffices
How long will it take to get my visa?
This will depend what country you are applying from. Normally it could take from 4-8 weeks for a student visa to be processed, however visitor visas, if required are normally quicker.
What happens if my visa application is denied?
As per the IEI Terms & Conditions, your fees will be refunded in full on receipt of written notification from INZ that you cannot obtain a visa. The decision made by INZ is final and IEI cannot reverse their decision.
Once I’m already at IEI and if I decide to extend my course, is this possible?
Yes normally this would be possible, however please note that if you have a limited purpose visa this is not possible. Please talk to the staff at IEI and they will advise you how to extend your course and visa when already in New Zealand.
Is it possible to work while I’m studying at IEI?
On a student visa, you are allowed to work if you hold the special Student Visa with Work Right, which is obtained if you study for 6+ months AND hold an IELTS score of 5.0 or higher. You can obtain this after you arrive in NZ. . On a working holiday visa, you are allowed to work as much as you wish, but in some cases you are required to change employer every three months, so please check your country’s conditions carefully. On a visitor visa or on a student visa without the Work Right, no it is not legal to work.
Who can apply for a working holiday visa for New Zealand?
If you are aged 18-30 years old and from one of the countries listed here, Visa-free countries, you are eligible to apply for a Working Holiday visa. To apply for this visa, you may be able to apply online or by visiting your nearest INZ office or NZ Embassy.
