Student visa reasons of declines and approvals

Common themes of declined applications

-          Bank accounts recently opened, no history of funds or explanation as to where the money has come from.

-          Sometimes when we verify the funds the balance has decreased significantly

-          The money may have been borrowed and there are no viable means to pay the money back

-          Applicants from rural areas with minimum income for example income is sporadic and may only be a few thousand dollars a year

-          We have had one confirmed instance of false experience. There is a current application in which it appears that the claimed experience is false (Ben this is not one of your applications).

-          There is one current case in which the applicant had difficulty with English language comprehension (he was not able to answer questions during an interview. This raises bona fide concerns as he may not be able to participate in the programme or obtain subsequent visas -  a ppi letter will be sent.

Common themes of approved applications

-          History of funds provided showing regular deposits – we recommend 6 months. We are satisfied that the source of funds is genuine and will legitimately be available to the applicant

-          Applicants have financial support from an immediate family member and evidence of the funds and the source have been provided.  

-          Applicants or their immediate family members may have businesses and evidence have been provided and matches claims

-          Applicants have a clear understanding of the programme they will be doing in New Zealand and have a history of the previous study.

Bona fides – E5.1, E5.5 and E5.10

We need to be satisfied that they will depart NZ if they are unable to obtain a work visa and that they are unlikely to remain in NZ unlawfully, breach the conditions of their visa or be unable to leave NZ. We will weigh and balance the following factors when assessing bona fide requirements. This list is not exhaustive, and other information may be considered if necessary.

-          Financial circumstances

-          Family connections in NZ and the Philippines

-          Previous travel history

-          Previous study – may or may not be related to farming

-          Information obtained during an interview

Funds for maintenance U3.20

Min NZ$1250 per month, homestay costs can be deducted if applicable

-          Bank statements/history of funds of at least 6 months

-          Applicants may be given that option of using the Funds Transfer Scheme if we are satisfied that they have sufficient funds from a legitimate source

-          Applicants who have sold assets to fund their studies should provide evidence of the sale eg – deed of sale

-          If applicable, evidence of the parents employment or the students employment would assist with assessing funds

-          Sponsorship from an eligible sponsor in NZ may be a good option (U3.20.5), this will be considered as a positive factor during the assessment (note other factors will also be considered, this alone does not mean that the application will be approved)

-          Applicants who are able to self-fund their studies or who have parents who are assisting with funding will be considered favourable 

Tuition fees U3.10

As per instructions course fees can be paid after the visa has been approved in principal. Evidence of ability to cover course fees should be provided as above

Outward travel –U3.25

We need to be satisfied that they have sufficient funds to purchase a ticket out of NZ.