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Immigration & Visas

New Zealand is a multicultural country that welcomes international visitors. Most of our students find it easy to apply for a visa. However, there are some important things you need to know before you start planning your journey.

Passports

As an international visitor to New Zealand, you must hold a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country.

Short Courses

If you are planning to study with us for up to 3 months in total, you do not need a Student Visa. You should check the Immigration New Zealand website to see if you need to apply for a Visitor Visa, or if you are able to travel on an NZeTA because you are from a country with a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand.

  • Visitor Visa

    Immigration New Zealand provides information to show if you need a Visitor Visa to come to New Zealand.

  • Visa Free Countries

    Find out if your country of citizenship is included in the list of Visa Free Countries.

Long Courses

If you are planning to study with us for more than 3 months, you need to apply for a Student Visa or have a Working Holiday Visa.

  • Student Visa

If you are coming to New Zealand to study at CCEL for more than 3 months, and are not on a Working Holiday Visa, you will need a Student Visa.

  • Pathway Student Visa

If you are applying to study at CCEL to prepare for a programme at the University of Canterbury (UC) or at UC International College (UCIC), may qualify for a Pathway Student Visa.

  • Working Holiday Visa

Students holding a Working Holiday Visa can study one or more courses for up to 6 months while they are in New Zealand for a work experience.

Living in New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand provides a great information resource for international visitors considering living and working in New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand Website
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