New Zealand is a preferred choice for international students pursuing higher studies. To study in New Zealand, you need a Student Visa, and a crucial part of getting this visa is the interview with Immigration New Zealand.
The Full-Fee-Paying Student Visa is the primary visa type for international students who want to study in New Zealand. Nearly 40,000 to 50,000 students apply for it yearly, but approximately 6% to 9% of applications are declined for various reasons.
Below, we provide an overview of the leading student visa types and their approval and decline rates over the last four years:
Table 1 : Student Visa applications decided by application criteria.
| Application Criteria | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | ||||
| Approved | Declined | Approved | Declined | Approved | Declined | Approved | Declined | |
| Full Fee Paying | 31,611 | 502 | 19,349 | 512 | 37,655 | 5,311 | 41,411 | 9,314 |
| Dependent of a Worker | 11,900 | 416 | 14,794 | 436 | 19,469 | 755 | 22,652 | 891 |
| English Language Studies | 3,420 | 294 | 1,338 | 232 | 5,579 | 638 | 6,814 | 934 |
| Pathway | 516 | 59 | 364 | 49 | 2,253 | 427 | 2,794 | 658 |
| Scholarship Holder | 313 | 23 | 283 | 16 | 406 | 13 | 497 | 12 |
| Child of NZ cit/res | 191 | 17 | 208 | 9 | 220 | 8 | 334 | 8 |
| Dependant of Entrepreneur | 19 | 24 | 16 | 11 | 24 | 6 | 37 | 7 |
| Exchange Student | 6 | . | 1 | . | 1,158 | 13 | 1,122 | 9 |
Source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/
The data clearly shows that many applications get declined, and the decline rate is notably high for the “Full Fee Paying Student Visa“. Therefore, students should be conscientious about every New Zealand visa journey step.
The visa interview is a critical part of this journey. In this blog, we will discuss the basics of Student Visa interview questions, which can help in the interview process.
Most New Zealand Student Visa interviews take place over the phone. In some cases, you might be asked to attend an in-person interview. Regardless of the format, the preparation required remains essentially the same. It’s wise to start preparing for the interview when you submit your student visa application. Here are some key points to consider when getting ready for your interview:
Understand Your Visa Type:
There are several types of Student Visas, such as Full Fee Paying Student Visas, Exchange Student Visas, Foreign Government Supported Student Visas, and Pathway Student Visas. Knowing the specific visa you are applying for will help you prepare better for the interview.
Prepare for Common Questions:
The immigration officer may ask various questions during the interview. It’s important to be ready to discuss your study plans, reasons for choosing New Zealand, your course, academic background, and future career goals. Practice answering these questions with someone to build confidence.
Few Questions Asked During NZ Student Visa Interviews:
In the interview, immigration officers generally ask questions to assess the genuineness of student applications and have a valid reason for studying in New Zealand. Below are a few questions that may be asked:
- Personal Information: Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth
- Previous Qualification Details
- Employment History
- Why do you want to study in New Zealand?
- What is the course’s name and the institution where you plan to study?
- Why did you choose the particular institution and course?
- Can you briefly describe your course?
- What are your career goals, and how will studying in New Zealand help you to achieve them
- How will you finance study costs and other expenses while studying
- What are your plans after completing your studies?
Preparing for these questions and providing honest and genuine responses is essential.
Stay Calm:
If you receive the interview call in a noisy environment, politely ask the officer if you can move to a quieter place or if they can call back later.
Be Natural:
While it’s essential to prepare, avoid memorising your answers. Let your responses be natural and genuine.
Be Honest:
The immigration officer is looking for students committed to studying in New Zealand. Be straightforward in your answers, and avoid giving rehearsed responses.
Answer Directly:
Ensure you understand the questions and give direct answers without going off-topic.
Clarify Questions:
If you don’t understand a question, ask the officer to explain it instead of guessing the answer.
Take Your Time:
Don’t rush your responses. Take a moment to understand the question and think before you answer.
Practice English:
Fluency in English is essential for the interview. If English isn’t your first language, practice speaking it with friends or family beforehand.
Know Your Finances:
Ensure you know how you will manage your finances while studying in NZ.
Dress Well and Be Punctual (for in-person interviews):
First impressions matter. Dress appropriately and arrive on time for an in-person interview to show you are serious about the process.
In Summary:
The student visa interview is crucial in processing a New Zealand Student Visa. Understanding the process, preparing for common questions, being genuine, and knowing your finances can improve your chances of success.
If you need help with your application, feel free to contact us by filling out this form. Good luck with your application!
How can Immigration Consultants(ICL Immigration) can help
Based in Auckland, NZ, for 20 years and in partnership with over 20 institutes, ICL Immigration simplifies your journey from studying to settlement in New Zealand. Our services include:
- Admission and University Selection: Tailored matching to the best programs, guiding you through university applications and meeting deadlines.
- Student Visa Facilitation: Comprehensive assistance in visa application processes, ensuring compliance with ongoing communication with Immigration New Zealand.
- Post-Arrival and Settlement Support: Pre-departure briefings on New Zealand’s culture, accommodation aid, and local orientation upon arrival.
- Resident Visa and Pathway to Residency: Expert guidance in transitioning to a resident visa post-study and support in the permanent residency application process.
