Student and Tourist Visa for New Zealand (2024–2026)

How the process works

Citizens of Kyrgyzstan need a visa to travel to New Zealand.

Depending on the purpose of the trip, you can apply for a tourist or a student visa. The visa process is fully online and is reviewed by Immigration New Zealand.

The key principle behind every decision is Genuine Intentions — the applicant must prove that the trip is temporary and matches the stated purpose.

Types of visa

1. Visitor Visa (tourist visa)

Suitable for:

• tourism

• visiting relatives and friends

• business trips

• short courses and language study

Key features:

• the stay is usually up to 9 months

• study is permitted for up to 3 months

• the final decision on the length of stay is made by the border authorities

2. Fee Paying Student Visa (student visa)

Suitable for:

• study at universities and colleges

• long-term language courses

• study programmes longer than 3 months

Key features:

• designed for long-term study

• requires confirmation of enrolment

• you must prove financial means

• a medical examination may be required

How to apply for a visa

1. Online application

• the application is submitted through the official Immigration New Zealand portal (RealMe)

• completing the application form

• uploading documents

• paying the visa fee

2. Offline application (alternative)

• through a VFS Global visa centre

• in person or via a courier service

• a full paper document package may be submitted

3. Passport check

• your passport may be required for authenticity verification

• it is handed over in person or via a courier

• after verification it is returned to the applicant

Core document package

• international passport

• completed visa application form

• photographs that meet the required standard

• confirmation of the purpose of the trip (invitation or enrolment)

• proof of accommodation

• financial documents

• proof of employment or study

• visa history (if any)

• medical documents (if required)

• English translations of documents

Processing times

• processing usually takes around 1.5–2 months

• timeframes may vary depending on the workload and the individual case

• additional document requests are possible

Submitting documents

• documents are submitted online or through a visa centre

• your physical presence may be required to submit documents or to verify your passport

• biometrics are generally not required

• for study lasting more than 6 months a medical examination may be required

Key assessment criteria

Immigration authorities assess:

• Genuine Intentions

• financial means

• visa history

• ties to your home country

• stability of employment or study

• assets and family ties

It is important to prove that the applicant:

• is travelling temporarily

• will comply with the visa conditions

• does not plan to stay illegally

• will be able to leave the country when the visa expires

Important details

• the decision is made by Immigration New Zealand

• submitting documents does not guarantee approval

• a complete and correct document package is required

• additional documents may be requested

• documents must be translated into English

Summary

• Tourism and short trips → Visitor Visa

• Long-term study → Fee Paying Student Visa

• Application → online via RealMe or through VFS Global

• Key factor → proof of Genuine Intentions and finances