International Students Confront High Visa Rejection Rates and Delays in New Zealand

A significant rise in student visa rejection rates for Indian applicants has thrown a wrench into New Zealand’s international education plans. Universities New Zealand, representing the country’s eight tertiary institutions, is lobbying the government to address the issue.

Rejection Rates Spike for Indian Students

The problem began in 2022, with a rejection rate of 28% for Indian student visa applications. However, this figure skyrocketed to a concerning 40% in 2023, according to data from Immigration New Zealand.

This trend continued into the first four months of 2024, with a 40% rejection rate, though slightly down from a staggering 49% earlier in the year.

Also Read: New Zealand Visa Application Update: English Translations Now Mandatory!

Delays in Visa Processing

The visa processing delays are compounding the issue. Chris Whelan, chief executive of Universities New Zealand, highlighted that nearly 10% of visas for the first semester of 2024 were unallocated for processing at its start, with another 2% still under review. This translates to roughly 18% of visas not being confirmed on time, causing significant anxiety and disruption for students.

“This uncertainty throws a wrench into students’ plans,” Whelan stated. “Many have faced late starts to their studies and the added pressure of catching up on missed coursework while adjusting to a new environment.”

He emphasized the potential damage to New Zealand’s reputation as a premier study destination, especially considering international education was the country’s fifth-largest export industry before the pandemic.

Also Read: New Visa Regulations in New Zealand: What Foreign Workers Need to Know

Efforts to Attract Indian Students

Despite the challenges, New Zealand universities remain committed to attracting Indian students. Collaboration efforts are increasing, with a third university nearing an agreement with Mumbai’s Bombay Stock Exchange Institute in July 2023.

Additionally, Education New Zealand partnered with the High Commission of India to designate India as the “country of honour” at the upcoming New Zealand International Education Conference.

Immigration New Zealand Responds

Celia Coombes, director of Student Visa at Immigration New Zealand, acknowledged the concerns and cited insufficient proof of funds or genuine study intentions as primary reasons for visa rejections.

She emphasized ongoing efforts to streamline the process while maintaining immigration system integrity. Currently, 90 staff handle student visa applications, aiming for an average processing time of 31 working days (approximately six weeks).

Looking Ahead

Whether collaborative efforts by universities and the government can bridge the gap and reverse the rising rejection rates for Indian students remains to be seen.

Continued communication and a streamlined visa application process are crucial to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for international students from all backgrounds.

(Source Inputs from Economictimes, edited by travelobiz team.)