Maintaining your visa

International students are responsible for complying with the conditions of their visa throughout their studies.

As a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, the University has responsibilities for monitoring international students’ immigration status and notifying Immigration New Zealand (INZ) in certain circumstances.

• Maintaining a valid and appropriate visa that allows you to study your programme at the University of Auckland
• Ensuring your enrolment is consistent with the programme and education provider specified in your visa conditions
• Maintaining full-time enrolment and attending your approved place of study in person, as required by your visa conditions
• Informing the University if your immigration status changes
• Complying with all conditions of your student visa

Your visa conditions specify where and what you are permitted to study. You must check and comply with the conditions recorded on your eVisa.

The University has obligations under the Code of Practice and New Zealand immigration requirements. These include:

• Checking and monitoring international students’ entitlement to study in New Zealand
• Maintaining appropriate records of students’ visa and immigration status
• Notifying INZ where the University knows or suspects that a student has breached their visa conditions
• Notifying INZ of termination of enrolment where required

The University may need to notify INZ if you hold a student visa and there is a significant change to your enrolment or circumstances. This may include:

• You withdraw from your programme or all your enrolled courses
• You are granted a late deletion from all your enrolled courses
• ·        
  Your enrolment is suspended or non-enrolled
  for one semester or quarter.
• You submit your doctoral thesis or complete your programme significantly earlier than expected while your student visa remains valid
• Your enrolment is terminated
• The University becomes aware of a known or suspected breach of your student visa conditions
• The University is otherwise required to notify INZ under applicable immigration requirements or the Code of Practice

Changes to your enrolment may affect your student visa. If you are considering withdrawing, reducing your study load, suspending your studies or changing your programme, you should understand the possible visa implications before making any changes.

If you no longer hold a valid visa that allows you to study at the University:

• Do not continue studying unless you are legally entitled to do so
• Contact the University as soon as possible: int-questions@auckland.ac.nz
• If your visa application has been declined, provide the University with a copy of the INZ decision letter
• Contact INZ if you need advice about your immigration options