Frequently asked student visa questions
Visa processes can be daunting and complicated to navigate. Below are some common scenarios to help answer your questions about your student visa expiring, applying for visas, the visa process, working while on a visa, and how AUT can help you with your visa applications while you’re studying with us.
Current AUT students: what you need to know about visas
You will receive email reminders from Immigration New Zealand and from our visa management team as early as 45 days prior to the expiry date of your current visa.
Make sure you apply for a new visa before it expires.
You will need to submit an online application to Immigration New Zealand. You may be asked to provide documents from AUT such as confirmation of enrolment, or evidence of paying your tuition fees. You can find this info by logging into Arion and viewing your correspondence, including if you're allowed to study or work.
Visa rules for postgraduate research students
The same application process applies for postgraduate research students. As a postgraduate research student, it's important to keep your supervisor and administrator updated so that they can provide extra support if necessary.
Online application updates
If you submitted your application online, you can log in to find out about the progress of your application. Log in to the account you created when you submitted your application on the Immigration New Zealand website and select the type of visa you applied for.
Paper application updates
If you provided a paper visa application or paper documents to Immigration New Zealand, there may be delays. You can phone Immigration New Zealand for more info.
Call Immigration New Zealand on freephone: 0508 558 855
Visa application delays
If you’ve submitted a visa/variation of conditions application to Immigration New Zealand but haven’t heard back, don’t worry. There may be delays due to the volume of applications but you will be notified of an outcome. This will be sent to the email address you provided when you submitted your application. Make sure to check your emails and the spam/junk folder just in case it is filed there.
If you’ve submitted a visa application before the expiry date, Immigration New Zealand may provide you with an interim visa until they make a final decision. Interim visas are usually valid for 6 months.
The interim visa letter will advise you if you need to provide further information, and outline what your visa conditions are, for example if you’re allowed to study or work etc. You will need to show this interim visa to AUT so that your student details can be updated.
If you haven’t received an outcome, contact Immigration New Zealand direct on their freephone number: 0508 558 855
Email your interim visa to AUT
Attending classes on your interim visa
You can continue attending classes if you have an application in process or receive an Interim Visa to study. Evidence of these will need to be provided so that you can continue your classes.
The outcome of all visa applications is provided by Immigration New Zealand.
You can stay in New Zealand while awaiting an outcome, but if you leave the country before you receive an outcome, the processing of your application will end. You then need to submit a new application and receive approval before you can return.
Visa application delays
If you’ve submitted a visa/variation of conditions application to Immigration New Zealand but haven’t heard back, don’t worry. There may be delays due to the volume of applications but you will be notified of an outcome. This will be sent to the email address you provided when you submitted your application. Make sure to check your emails and the spam/junk folder just in case it is filed there.
If Immigration New Zealand does not approve your visa application to study, contact our Student Hub advisors immediately to discuss how we can support you further and what your next steps may be.
Our Student Hub advisors have specialist knowledge about visa queries. Appointments can be made through the AUT App or Student Hub Online.
If you didn’t submit an application and your visa has now expired, you will have to urgently apply under Section 61. You’re legally unable to study if this has occurred.
Contact the AUT Student Hub immediately for support. Our Student Hub advisors have specialist knowledge about visa queries. Appointments can be made through the AUT App or Student Hub Online.
Working on a student visa
If your study visa has the condition that allows you to work 20 hours per week, you can only work full-time during scheduled holidays, including the summer holidays. Find out more about working while you're an AUT student.
Contact us
For international student support while you’re studying at AUT contact the Student Hub. Our student advisors can help with:
- Visa and immigration matters
- Insurance
- Accommodation
- Life in New Zealand
- Talking to faculties
- Homesickness
Phone 0800 AUT UNI (0800 288 864)
or +64 9 921 9779
24/7 Support: 0800 AUT SAFE (288 7233) and +64 9 921 9997 - for emergencies only