The assessment time for undergraduate applications is, generally, quite quick and is done in about 3-5 weeks. PG applications, however, can take up to 4 to 8 weeks to get processed. Visa processes for New Zealand are considerably fast. The New Zealand Information Service tries to ensure that the positive profile students get a decision on their applications within 15 to 20 working days.

Students can work up to 20 hours a week. Students can find work in farms, restaurants, malls, as marketing executives, etc. their wages can range from 9 to 12 New Zealand dollars an hour. If you are a masters by research student or a PhD student you can even work full time during the term-time.

Students are required to show a written guarantee of accommodation before they are granted a visa. There are some institutions that may be able to grand a residential accommodation to students who are not staying at a friend or a relative’s place. A student may also wish to arrange their own accommodation. Students should make it a point to indicate beforehand whether or not they need support in order to find a place to stay when they apply to the institution.

A student’s dependents can include their spouse, partners, faince, and/or children. The student’s dependents can accompany them to the country or join them at a later date. They should have, however, applied for the visa they require, be it work, student or visitor, and must fulfil all their criterion. Dependents who are in school will need to pay their full fees for enrolling in primary and secondary courses of study.

There is no limit to the amount of money you can bring in or take out of New Zealand. Although, if you are bringing in more than 10,000 New Zealand dollars in cash you will have to declare the same to the New Zealand Customs Service.

A student’s spouse can only work in New Zealand provided the student is pursuing a post graduate degree. The other case where the student’s spouse can apply for a work visa is if the student is studying a course that is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List.

You can apply for a 12 month job search visa within three months of completion of your course from NZ.