Issues that may effect those students who are yet to enter New Zealand -
1. Will I be charged an application fee by Immigration New Zealand, if I have to apply
for a Variation of Conditions/new visa because of the earthquake?
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» Immigration New Zealand appreciates that this is a difficult time for you. We are
doing everything that we can to assist in a facilitative manner. Please discuss the issue
of visa fees with the relevant branch.
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2. I have been issued a visa to attend an education provider in Christchurch and have not yet travelled to New Zealand. I want to travel to New Zealand once the education provider is
operating again. How will I know when the provider resumes the classes?
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» From Monday 28 February 2011, please try to make contact with your provider in
Christchurch to gauge when they are likely to re-open and contact your local Immigration
New Zealand branch to discuss visa amendments if they are required.
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3. If I defer my travel plans, which results in requiring a new visa with amended travel dates,
do I have to pay the application fee and/or complete a new application form, provide
evidence of funds and passport details? |
| » The requirement to provide other documents may be waived if you are unable to provide them. |
4. I have had a visa issued to attend an education provider in Christchurch but have not yet
travelled to New Zealand. I want to change the location of my study, but remain with the same provider (i.e a different campus). What should I do? |
| » Please approach your closest Immigration New Zealand branch for a new visa label, with confirmation from the provider regarding your offer of place and any associated tuition fees. |
Issues effecting the Students who are already in New Zealand -
1. Will I be charged an application fee by Immigration New Zealand, if I have to apply for a
Variation of Conditions/new visa because of the earthquake? |
» Immigration New Zealand appreciates that this is a difficult time for you. We are doing
everything that we can to assist in a facilitative manner. Please discuss the issue of visa fees
with the relevant branch. |
2. I am a foreign national who is considered a "domestic" student and I have an application
lodged at the Christchurch branch, but do not know if my application has been approved. I now
do not hold a visa and am wondering what I can do? |
» Since 7th February if you were lawfully in New Zealand when you lodged your student
application in Christchurch branch, and your visa is expiring/has expired, you will be automatically issued an interim student visa valid for six months, or until your substantive student visa applications had been decided - whatever date is earlier.
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/generalinformation/news/
visaextensionschch.htm.
The interim student visa has the same conditions as 'open' student visa. This means you may undertake any course of study in New Zealand. The interim letter will be emailed to you if we have an email address, or if not then a letter will be sent. Given the disruption to mail services in Christchurch this may take some time to arrive. You are able to contact the Immigration Contact Centre on 0508 558 885 to enquire about your status.
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| 3. I am a full fee paying international student and have an application lodged at the Palmerston North branch to attend an education provider in Christchurch. I want to change providers and move to another location. How can I do that? |
| » Please approach the Palmerston North branch to discuss your situation. You will need to submit a new offer of place from the new provider and provide a receipt of tuition fees (or confirmation from the new provider that confirms tuition fees are paid or will be paid in due course). |
| 4. I am a full fee paying international student and have an application lodged at the Palmerston North branch to attend an education provider in Christchurch and I want to leave New Zealand. How can I do that? |
| » Please approach the Palmerston North branch to request the return of your passport. |
| 5. I am in Christchurch and have a valid student visa that is due to expire on 31 March 2011. What can I do? |
» If you wish to continue studying and have sourced a provider, send your application to the Palmerston North branch (or if your provider is a Students Online provider please talk to them).
If you want to apply for a visitor visa, send your application to the Northern Documentation Branch in Auckland at the following address:
Immigration New Zealand
Private Bag 92223
Auckland Mail Centre
Auckland
New Zealand
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| 6. If I have a student visa and it is valid beyond 31 March and I can't study because of the earthquake. What do I do? |
| » You do not need to apply for a new visa at this time. However, if you want to start working for a different employer or studying at a different educational institute to the one specified on your visa you will need to get a variation of conditions or a new visa. |
| 7. All of the documents I am required to submit my visa application, are missing in Christchurch and my visa is due to expire on 31 March 2011. How do I remain lawfully in New Zealand? |
» If your passport is lost, approach your Embassy or Consulate and report it lost. If you want to apply for a student visa to remain in New Zealand, send an application for a student visa to the Palmerston North branch and provide all documentation you have available and a short letter outlining your situation.
If you want to apply for a visitor visa, send your application to the Northern Documentation Branch in Auckland:
Immigration New Zealand
Private Bag 92223
Auckland Mail Centre
Auckland
New Zealand
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| 8. I have a valid visa to study in Christchurch and I have already moved to another education provider elsewhere in New Zealand. What should I do? |
| » Please apply for a Variation of Conditions to your student visa as soon as possible, unless your visa is expiring within the next 30 days. Please do contact us on 0508 558 885, to let us know that you have moved.
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Other Information -
1. Will I be charged an application fee by Immigration New Zealand if I have to apply for a Variation of Conditions/new visa because of the earthquake? |
| » Immigration New Zealand appreciates that this is a difficult time for you. We are doing everything that we can to assist in a facilitative manner. Please discuss the issue of visa fees with the relevant branch.
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| 2. How do I find out if my course is still happening? |
» Contact your education provider when you can, but keep in mind that Christchurch is in the middle of a disaster and you may not receive a fast answer. There are still issues with power supply, and many computer and record systems have been destroyed. Many staff members from your education provider have their own personal matters to attend to also. So please be patient.
Please make sure that you let us know your current contact details – call 0508 558 885
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