Get involved in INZ’s Pathway Student Visa pilot

Invitations to take part in the pilot were sent to over 500 primary, secondary and tertiary providers on the basis that they have a student visa application approval rate of 90% or higher for the 2014/15 financial year.

INZ has not received replies from all the providers that were invited to participate in the pilot, and would like to encourage all eligible providers to get involved.

INZ will resend invitations to eligible providers that are not already participating.

If you think the previous invitation was sent to an incorrect email address, please email pathwayvisasfeedback@mbie.govt.nz to advise.

What is a Pathway Student Visa and why should I offer it to my students?

A Pathway visa allows a student to undertake up to three consecutive programmes of study on a single visa. The visa can be granted for a maximum period of five years.

The programmes of study can be at a single education provider (e.g. Years 11-13 at a secondary school), or can be at up to three different providers (e.g. English language studies, followed by foundation studies, followed by a degree programme).

In terms of funds, INZ needs to see that tuition fees have been paid for the first year of study or first course of study (whichever is shorter). Students must also prove funds to maintain themselves for the same period (the first year, or the first course).

INZ does not need to see liquid funds for the subsequent years/programmes of study, but does need to be satisfied that the student will be able to fund the rest of their stay, e.g. their parents have a regular and stable income.

More information on Pathway visas, including a list of providers that are already participating in the pilot, can be found on the INZ website.