Immigration & Visa Information

All international students must have a valid student visa to study at the University of Otago.

When renewing your student visa you can either apply on campus, or send your application to
Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

o Visa-on-Campus o Apply through Immigration New

o Who can apply for a Visa-on- Zealand (INZ)
Campus
o How to apply for a Visa-on-
Campus
o Processing Time for Visa-on-
Campus
o Work

o Student Visa Co-ordinator

V is a - on - C a mp u s

International students currently studying full time at the University of Otago can apply for their
visa through the Student Visa Co-ordinator on campus. There are a limited number of
exceptions where applications need to be directed to Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

W h o c a n a p p ly f o r a V is a - o n - C a m p u s

At Otago we are able to process most applications for student visa on campus. There are only a
limited number of execptions to the rule, when applications need to be directed to Immigration
New Zealand.

We are not able to accept your application for a visa-on-campus if:

o You do not currently hold a valid visa (study, visit or work).

o You are not a full-time student, unless you are listed as a finalist on PIMS.
 o You are submitting a Financial Undertaking for a Student form signed by a person who
is not a New Zealand Citizen or resident and/or who is not currently living in New
Zealand.
o Your academic performance does not meet the requirements of Immigration New
Zealand. Each case will be assessed individually. If in doubt, please contact the Student
Visa Co-ordinator prior to submitting your application.

If you fall into any of the above categories, you need to apply through Immigration New Zealand
(INZ).

H o w t o ap p ly f o r a V is a - on - C a m pu s

o Please download and complete the Visa-on-Campus Application form (PDF format). A
hard copy of this form is also available for collection from the International Office.
o Read the Visa-on-Campus Application Information carefully.
o Pay the $120 (subject to change) visa fee at the Fees Office.
Please note that not everyone is eligible to apply for a visa-on-campus, so please refer
to who can apply before paying for this fee.
o Make sure you include all required documents. Only complete applications will be
accepted.
o Applications may be submitted from 9.00am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday directly to
the Student Visa Co-ordinator.

P r o c e s s in g T im e f o r V is a - on - C a m p u s

Most applications will take between four to fifteen days to process.

Some of the factors to affect processing time include:

o Your application is submitted in a busy period (usually between mid to end of March).
o You fail to provide required documents.

Please remember:

o Immigration New Zealand (INZ) holds a record of all previous information and
documents supplied by you.
o To avoid delays, please make sure that Health Certificates and Police Certificates are
included with your application, if required.
o It is an offence to provide false or misleading information on your application form.
 o We advise you not to book any overseas travel before your student visa has been
issued.

Wo r k

Students enrolled in full degree programmes are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week
under the terms of their student visas.

o Students may be granted permission to work during the academic year, and during any
holidays within the academic year for up to 20 hours in any given week if they are:
o undertaking a full-time, course of study at the University of Otago of at least
two academic years duration; or
o undertaking a full-time course of study culminating in a New Zealand
qualification that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category
o Students may be granted permission to work full-time during the summer holiday
period, provided they are undertaking a full-time course of study of 12 months or more
duration.

S t u de n t V is a C o - o rd in a t o r

International Office
University of Otago
Registry Building (Clocktower), North Wing
Dunedin
New Zealand

Tel 64 3 479 8344

Fax 64 3 479 8367
Email student.visa@otago.ac.nz

A pp ly t h r o u gh I m m ig ra t io n N e w Ze a la n d (I N Z )

If applying directly through INZ, you must use their Application to Study in New Zealand form,
which can be downloaded from the Study forms and guides section on the INZ website at
http://www.immigration.govt.nz

Please fill in this form and send your complete application to INZ, making sure that you include
with your application all required documents - as listed on the form.
Please courier your application to:

Student Processing Unit

Immigration New Zealand
PO Box 1049
Palmerston North 4440

Tel 0508 558 855

Fax 06 952 7758
http://www.immigration.govt.nz

Enquiries made offshore should be directed to your nearest New Zealand Embassy or High
Commission. For more information please visit http://www.immigration.govt.nz