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Applying for your visa at least 3 months before your intended travel date gives you the best chance to have a decision made in time for your study. The processing of student visas is a priority for us, particularly as we get closer to peak times.
Immigration New Zealand is in the mid-year student visa processing peak, which is between May and August each year.
Applications take longer to be decided during this peak period, so it is important that you apply early if you want to come to New Zealand to study.
Get your application in early
To help us process your application quicker and avoid unnecessary delays, students should provide full and complete applications, including all necessary documentation. You should apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date. If you are intending to start studying in New Zealand in mid-2025, you need to apply now.
Wait times for international student visa applications are published in our visa wait times section.
Help us process your application faster
You can use our student visa information sheets to make sure your application has all the information and documentation required. This will help us process your application faster and avoid unnecessary delays.
Student visa information sheet – first-time international students
Student visa information sheet – continuing international students
If you are waiting on key study documentation, you may not be able to apply 3 months ahead. We recommend you apply as soon as you have the required documentation or contact your education provider to see if they can give you a conditional Offer of Place. This will allow you to submit your student visa application and get the process underway.
If you apply late, your application may not be processed in time for your study in New Zealand.
Due to the high volume of visa applications expected, we will not contact students if documents are missing from their application. If the missing information is key to the assessment, then your application may be declined.
