Immigration gets tough on waka jumpers

For many years, it was easy for international students to change their courses and education providers soon after their arrival in New Zealand.

It was not uncommon for some students to do so in exchange for cash or gifts.

Until a few months ago, a ‘poacher’ running an institute, could offer a letter of acceptance for low-level courses with a kickback. Students would give a lame excuse and obtain a refund from the institute, which enrolled them in the first instance.

The poacher would obtain for the student the necessary permit from Immigration New Zealand. Both sides were happy, except of course the original education provider and the system, which was being cheated.

From a long-term point of view, the main objective of providing education was not achieved, only shady dealers thrived.

New Policy in force

Immigration New Zealand has finally put an end to this waka jumping. The Department launched a new set of policies on November 30, 2009, making it difficult for international students to switch institutes.

This is great news for education providers, education consultants and most important, the students themselves. The policy aims to safeguard the interests of young and naïve international students, who may have already spent substantial sums of money to get to New Zealand. Money-hungry, unscrupulous and kitchen education providers exploited the vulnerable young men and women.

The new student visa policy states that variation of conditions or a further student permit will be allowed only if the student continued to meet all the requirements.

It also specifies that the student should not have breached his or her permit conditions, and is a bona fide applicant.

Applications to change courses and or education providers will be approved only after Immigration New Zealand is satisfied that such a change is truly beneficial. The process of verification will include reassessment of the original student visa application. The new policy would be applicable to anyone seeking to study a different course at the same provider; same course at a different provider; or a different course at a different provider.

Risky breach

It is also important to note that any student who withdraws or stops attending the education provider endorsed on their student permit before obtaining a variation of conditions or a further permit reflecting the change, will be liable for breach of their permit conditions. 

Applicants who breach their permit conditions may not be granted further permits or relevant services.

As a student therefore, if you change your course and or education provider before obtaining the approval of Immigration New Zealand, you may face the risk of having your student permit revoked and removed from the country.

If you have just arrived in New Zealand and others are urging you to study at another

Institution, or suggesting you change your course, you must contact Immigration New Zealand or a licensed immigration adviser before taking any action.

I recommend that you submit your application for approval at least one month before any intended change.

It would be worthwhile to consult a New Zealand Specialist Agent (NZSA) Group  recognised consultant who can guide you properly.

Arunima Dhingra is Director of Aims Global Education & Immigration Services Ltd and a licensed immigration adviser based in Auckland. She can be reached on 021-2575250 Email: info@aimsglobaleducation.com