Student visa about to expire? What you need to know about Interim Visas

The New Zealand academic year is wrapping up, and for many international students that means a visa expiry date is getting close. The government's govt.nz site notes that October to March is the peak application period, so processing can take longer. If you are about to apply for your next visa, whether a new student visa or a post-study work visa, here is what to know about Interim Visas so nothing catches you out.

1. Apply before your current visa expires

New Zealand visas cannot be extended, so you need to make a new application. INZ recommends applying at least one month before your visa expires, and the University of Auckland asks its current students to do the same. Leaving it to the last minute puts you on the back foot.

2. An Interim Visa is automatic

If INZ has not decided your application by the time your current visa expires, you will normally be granted an Interim Visa so you can stay in New Zealand lawfully while you wait. You don't apply for it and there is no fee. It expires after 6 months if INZ still hasn't decided, or 21 days after a decline.

3. What you can do depends on the visa you applied for

This is where many students get caught:

• On a student visa, applying for another student visa: the Interim Visa has open study conditions (any course, provider and location), and if your old visa allowed work, you keep the same work conditions.
• On a student visa, applying for a work visa such as the Post-Study Work Visa: the Interim Visa has visitor conditions only. That means you cannot work until your new visa is approved.
• On a student visa that allows work during term, applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): the Interim Visa may let you take up the job in your AEWV application.

4. Think twice before leaving New Zealand

Interim Visas have no travel conditions. If you leave New Zealand while on an Interim Visa, you will not be able to return until a decision is made on your application. If you are planning a trip home for Tết, plan your application timing around it.

5. You can't apply for another visa while on an Interim Visa

INZ will not accept a new visa application from someone holding an Interim Visa, so choose the right visa from the start.

Remember: if your visa has already expired and you have not applied for a new one, you are in New Zealand unlawfully, cannot work or study, and must leave immediately. Get advice as soon as possible.

Every situation involves a different visa and timing. If you are not sure what to apply for or when, BE VISA can help you plan before your visa runs out. Learn more about our student visa services or book a free assessment.