Kia ora,

INZ is currently in a peak processing period for student visa applications and has received a high volume of applications for study in 2026.

During peak periods, applications may take longer to process. It is important that students wanting to come to New Zealand to study apply at least 3 months before their planned travel date and include all the evidence that INZ requires to make a decision.

Students should be encouraged to submit full and complete applications, including:

• A valid Offer of Place from a New Zealand education provider

• Evidence of money to live on that is from a genuine source and will be available to the student in New Zealand

• Health and character evidence

• Information about their reasons for study and plans after their study

INZ may decide an application based on the information provided and may not request further information.

Applicants should not include ‘holding’ documents, such as a letter stating “the information will be uploaded later”, as INZ may decline the application.

Applicants outside New Zealand can apply with a conditional Offer of Place if their provider needs to wait for the student’s academic results to confirm enrolment. This allows INZ to begin assessing the application and approve it in principle if other requirements are met. An unconditional Offer of Place will be required before INZ can grant a visa.

If students intend to study in early 2026 and have not yet applied for their visa, or only applied recently, they should talk to their education provider about study options in case INZ has not decided the application before the course starts.

If a student’s application has not been decided by their programme’s start date, the education provider can provide an updated Offer of Place for a later intake or a letter confirming new study start dates. The student can upload this to their online application to prevent delays when INZ makes a decision.

Click here to read more about student visas.