Every year, thousands of students choose New Zealand for their studies, drawn by its high-quality educational institutions and beautiful landscapes. If you plan to study in New Zealand, understanding the financial requirements and sponsorship eligibility is crucial. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you prepare.
Financial Requirements for Students
To ensure you can support yourself during your stay, you need to meet specific financial criteria:
Proof of Funds:
- Tertiary/English Language/Non-Compulsory School Study: You must show proof of having NZD 20,000 per year. If your course duration is less than a year, you need NZD 1,667 for each month of study.
- Compulsory Education (Years 1-13): The requirement is NZD 17,000 per year or NZD 1,417 per month.
Accommodation Costs: If your accommodation, such as a school homestay, is pre-paid, you should provide documents proving that these living costs are covered.
Sponsorship Forms:
- A completed 'Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry' by an eligible sponsor.
- A 'Financial Undertaking for a Student' form, if applicable.
Sponsorship for NZ Student Visa
- Who can sponsor? Only a friend or family member can act as your sponsor.
- Restrictions: If you're applying to extend your student visa, you cannot change your sponsor, and your sponsor must be the same friend or family member from your initial application.
Sponsorship for NZ Resident Visa
- Residency Requirements for Sponsors: Sponsors must:
- Reside in New Zealand.
- Have been a New Zealand citizen or resident for at least three years.
- Have lived in New Zealand for at least 184 days annually over the last three years.
- Application Verification: During the application process, immigration officials will verify the duration of the sponsor's residence in New Zealand.
Special Cases
- Refugees: If you're a refugee looking to sponsor a family member, the rules are different and tailored to specific circumstances.
- Pregnancy: Sponsors covering maternity care must provide financial proof to support these expenses.
Organisational Sponsorship for NZ Work Visa
- Eligibility: Organizations wishing to sponsor must:
- Be registered in New Zealand as a company, incorporated society, or charitable trust.
- Demonstrate a clear connection between their activities and the sponsorship reason.
- Appoint a responsible contact person for the sponsorship.
- Restrictions: Organizations in receivership or liquidation cannot sponsor.
Conclusion
Navigating a New Zealand visa's financial and sponsorship requirements involves carefully planning and understanding the rules. Ensuring you meet these requirements, you can look forward to an enriching educational experience in New Zealand.
Reference
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/
About ICL Immigration
ICL Immigration, based in Auckland, is an established licensed immigration adviser, Immigration Consultant and NZ International Student Education Consultant with over 20 years of experience. We’ve helped over 1,000 immigrants realise their New Zealand settlement dreams.
We specialise in a broad spectrum of visa services, including NZ visitor Visa, student, residency, work visas, and business-related services like employer accreditation. We ensure personalised solutions for individuals and businesses aiming to navigate New Zealand’s immigration landscape successfully.