Common Questions
How long does this visa take to process?
Immigration New Zealand estimates that this visa can take up to 3 months to process, but this is not a guarantee, so it is important to submit your application early. Visas can also experience processing delays during busy times of year or your case officer may require additional documentation, so it is best to allow your visa the maximum processing time possible.
Does this visa application cost any money?
The online visa application is $35 USD for citizens of the United States. If you are not a U.S. citizen, click the “Check Criteria” button at the bottom of the Student & Trainee Visa information page, then enter information about the nationality on your passport and location you are applying from to determine any application fees.
I’m a recent graduate, should I be applying for this visa?
No! Hopefully you and your Program Manager have already been in touch about this, but if not, please let them know immediately. You will instead need to apply for the Working Holiday Visa, which has a different application and requirements. Your Program Manager will provide you with the correct instructions for your visa.
What if I’m not applying as a U.S. citizen?
Some of your application requirements may differ. Please inform your Program Manager, who will help you successfully complete your application. For more information, you can also go to the Student & Trainee Visa information page then click the “Check Criteria” button at the bottom. Enter information about the nationality on your passport and location you are applying from to determine any application requirements that differ from these instructions.
How do I get an acceptable visa photo?
New Zealand has very specific requirements for their visa photos. Unfortunately, some common passport photo locations are unable to provide digital copies of the photos required for this application and scans of these pictures won’t meet the required size or be clear enough. Here are a few possible solutions and resources that might help:
- Check with local passport photo services. As previously stated, some may not be able to provide digital copies in the correct size and that meet the NZ visa photo requirements. However, check around before moving on to the next suggestions, as they will be able to provide the most high quality photo if they can meet the New Zealand requirements.
- Check with your university. Often the offices that provide Student ID card services will also take passport/visa photos. However, be sure that they can accommodate the NZ requirements (non-white background, digital copies of specific size, etc.).
- Take your own photo. While this should be a last resort, with the right resources and research, it is possible to produce an acceptable visa photo on your own. Try to use a high quality camera and get someone to help you (no selfies!). The U.S. Passport Service Guide and Digital Trends have good general tips on taking a clear, usable photo, but be sure to follow the New Zealand guidelines linked above and not the US passport ones that might be mentioned in the articles.
I think I made a mistake on my application. How do I fix it?
You can upload new documents to your application after you submitted the application, so if you forgot to add something (flight itinerary, cover letter, INZ1225, etc.), you can simply log in to your RealMe account and upload the forgotten document to your application.
If you’re not sure you made a mistake, you can review what you submitted as a PDF document under “submitted applications in your account (the same place you got the PDF to upload to the “Student & Trainee Visa—New Zealand item in your TEAN application).
If you determine you definitely made a mistake or you’re still not sure and can’t find out, please contact your Program Manager immediately to determine the severity and next steps for resolving it. Do not delay in letting TEAN know; a mistake may cause visa delays or visa denial.
My case officer has reached out to me requesting more information. What do I do?
If you have the evidence they are asking for, provide it to them. Sometimes a document that was needed didn’t get uploaded, or they may request your flight itinerary. Please also let your Program Manager know, so that they are aware of your visa’s progress.
If you aren’t sure what your case officer is requesting or you want to be sure you’re providing the right information, feel free to reach out to your Program Manager for assistance.
Who should I contact with questions about my visa status or issues with my RealMe account/application?
You can contact Immigration New Zealand for specific updates on your visa’s progress or if you’re having issues with your RealMe application. Generally, don’t call for a status update unless you’re getting close to departure, you feel your visa is experiencing an unprecedented delay or if you have been instructed to do so by your Program Manager. You can contact them from the U.S. at (+011) +64 9 914 4100 between 6:00 AM Monday to midnight on Saturday (NZT).
When you call, be ready to tell them your full name, application number (the number on your application that begins with an A and is followed by six digits, ex. A163148), passport number and date of birth.
Sometimes the wait can be long, but you can put yourself “in line” for a call back. Students sometimes find they get through faster by calling in the morning (U.S. time) rather than the afternoon or evening, but it ultimately depends on how busy the help center is, which varies.
If you’re concerned about how long your visa is taking to process, feel free to reach out to your Program Manager for advice. Remember, the processing time can be long and often varies case by case, so you may need to be patient!
How do I check if my visa has been uploaded?
Sometimes the “submitted” status does not update when your visa is uploaded. Some case officers will email applicants when their visas have been successfully uploaded but not all. Check periodically in your RealMe account to see if your visa has been uploaded. You will need to actually click in to your application and it will be attached as a PDF.
I have my visa. Now what?
Upload the PDF to your TEAN application under “Copy of Visa” so that TEAN has a copy and knows your visa has been issued.
Your visa is electronic but you should print a copy of your visa to bring with you in your carry-on when you fly to New Zealand. It is possible you may be asked to present documentation of your visa.
Who do I contact with additional questions?
Contact your TEAN Program Manager.