Immigration New Zealand has announced that from April 2021, up to 1,000 priority returning degree and post-graduate international students and their families will be able to return to New Zealand to continue their studies.
To be eligible for this exception international students will need to have already completed some of their study in New Zealand but have been unable to return to New Zealand due to the COVID-19 border restrictions.
If you are an international student and want to enter New Zealand under this exception you must apply for and be granted a new student visa. Successful applicants will be required to complete standard Managed Isolation and Quarantine. They will need to book their space through the allocation system and are liable for the standard charges for managed isolation.
Due to employment pressures as a result of COVID-19 and increased living costs, eligible students will need to prove that they have $20,000 per annum to support themselves for the duration of their visa, as well as additional funds to pay for Managed Isolation and Quarantine.
Partners and dependent children of nominated students may be included in applications, in line with current visa requirements.
You can read the full announcement from the New Zealand Government here.
