New Zealand Student Visa Rejection: Reasons and appeals

New Zealand is one of few preferred study abroad destinations that receive a large number of international students for the sole purpose of studying.  To enter New Zealand international students need to obtain a Student visa. While applying for a Visa, the biggest stress everyone has is what if Visa gets Rejected. In this article, we are going to present some of the common reasons for a candidate's student visa being rejected and how to avoid them.

New Zealand student visa rejection reasons

Despite the New Zealand student visa rejection rate is very low, the visa officers can still reject your student visa for some valid reason. Hence, it is good to know the reasons for visa rejections, so that you can avoid them. Here we have listed some of the common reasons why your student visa could be rejected for New Zealand.

1. Poor Visa Interview

The student visa interview is one of the best chances to communicate with the visa officers face to face and explain to them why you want to study in New Zealand. If you provide unnecessary or vague information, fail to communicate properly with the questioner etc, the visa application will be refused. You should present your best self during the interview. You should possess significant knowledge about the university you are planning to enroll in, the course structure, and every other information that could be asked during the interview. This way the authorities would have confidence in you and your visa application will be approved.

2. Inability to prove English proficiency

Most universities in New Zealand require students to present proof of their English proficiency by appearing for one of the many English tests available. They include IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Respective officers verifying your student visa application are very strict about your English language skills. Since the maximum amount of communication, be it at the university or the country level is done in English the student must be comfortable with English. If you are not able to convince visa officers with your English language skills, your visa application might be rejected.

3. Inadequate documents

In the student visa application process, you are required to submit several documents. You should thoroughly check the official website of the New Zealand student visa page for all the documents you are required to submit. You should strictly provide all the documents mentioned and in order. If you miss any of them or try to submit a false document, it could lead to the cancellation of your visa application.

4. Intentions behind going to New Zealand

Another student visa rejection reason for New Zealand is the inability to provide the needed justification for your purpose and conditions of the planned travel and stay. If the visa officers feel the candidate's real motive includes starting to work or taking up employment in New Zealand illegally, his/her student visa is sure to get rejected. You must provide strong proof to prove that you want to live in New Zealand only for studies. If you are unable to provide documents that support the purpose of travel and stay in New Zealand can result in the rejection of the visa. 

5. Invalid or damaged passport

Your Passport is the vital thing you should be cautious with before you apply for a visa. If your passport is not in a proper way, torn, damaged, or missing pages, there is a high probability that your student visa application would be rejected by the Embassy. Also, make sure your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your period of stay in New Zealand.

6. Past Criminal Records

Having a criminal record is an important factor that may hinder your dream to study in New Zealand. Students at some time receive visa rejection even for minor incidents. No matter how minor your criminal record is, you need to reveal them in your application. It is always better, to tell the truth about your history.

7. Lack of Financial Stability

The embassy will ensure that students traveling to New Zealand have sufficient financial support to pay for study and living expenses such as accommodation, food, travel, etc. This means for the visa application process you will have to present evidence of enough funds available to you to support yourself financially in New Zealand. This is one of the most important requirements for the visa application process, so failure to fulfill this one will lead to a visa refusal. 

8. Lack of Satisfactory Academic Achievements

To make sure that students entering New Zealand are motivated and skilled enough to successfully complete their study program, the visa officers need to know that candidates have enough academic potential. A poor grade in your previous education presents that you are not skilled enough to get through the education system in New Zealand. This might result in your visa getting rejected.

9. What to do if your student visa application is rejected

Students whose visa applications have been rejected should take this decision only as a hinder and not the end of their dream to study in New Zealand. As a visa is rejected does not mean the student cannot apply again. He or she should see where was the mistake done in the first visa application and apply again after the window period set by the New Zealand visa authorities. Chances of getting a New Zealand student visa after refusal depends on the complete document set you have submitted.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is New Zealand accepting student visas?

If you are from another country, you can apply for a visa to study in New Zealand. You will need to pay the full cost of your courses and enroll with an approved education to provide an acceptance letter during the visa application process.

What happens if my visa gets rejected NZ?

If your visa gets rejected you won’t be able to move to New Zealand for your studies. However, you have the option of re-applying. Make sure that you avoid doing any kind of mistakes you made in your first application. 

Why has my student visa been rejected?

There can be many reasons why your student visa has been rejected. To mention a few of them, Failure to prove financial stability, poor English proficiency, incomplete application form, inadequate visa documents, doubt on your travel to New Zealand, etc. 

You should also read the following articles

Checklist Before going to Study in New Zealand
Stay back and Work permit after Study In New Zealand
Study in New Zealand for Indian Students