Some of the key changes being introduced by Immigration New Zealand from July 2011

Some of the key changes being introduced by Immigration New Zealand from July 2011 include:

· Students will need to study in New Zealand for at least two years to qualify for Study to Work visas, unless they have postgraduate qualifications or credit-transferred bachelor's degrees. If a student is studying Graduate Diploma Level 7 and holds a bachelors degree from India, they are eligible for a work visa.

· Students who obtain a second, higher qualification at bachelor's degree or postgraduate level will be able to obtain a second Graduate Job Search visa, rather than just one.

Changes from March 2012

· Funds required by applicants for Graduate Job Search Visas will rise from $2,100 to $4,200.

· Funds required for student visa applicants will increase from the current $10,000 per year to $15,000 per year for courses 36 weeks or longer, or pro-rated at $1,250 per month for shorter courses (less prepaid living expenses).

Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category

· Applicants for residence can currently access points for recognised qualifications. From 25 July 2011, the points will be differentiated on the following basis:

QUALIFICATION (NQF)     CURRENT    FROM 25 JULY 2011

Levels 3-6                                         50                    40

Levels 7-8                                         50                    50

Levels 9-10                                       55                    60

· Applicants claiming bonus points for having obtained recognised New Zealand qualifications must have a bachelor's degree or above.

· Changes will also ensure that more former students who qualify for residence will be required to have a skilled job in New Zealand.

Advice for students arriving in the UK

Advice for students arriving in the UK

All passengers arriving at UK ports of entry are checked through passport control by immigration officers to establish their identity and nationality. If you are arriving in the UK with a student visa, then you may be asked to show some or all of the following documents to prove your identity and to satisfy the immigration officer that you still meet the requirements of a student visa.

1. Your passport or travel document with a valid student visa

2. An offer letter or copy of certificate of acceptance for studies (CAS)

3. Any previous degrees/certificates mentioned in the CAS

4. Copy of English language test (if mentioned in the CAS)

5. Evidence to prove that you have sufficient funds to pay your course fees and maintain yourself (and your dependants if applicable). You can prove this with one or more of the following documents

I Recent bank statements,

II A letter from your bank confirming that you have access to the required funds

III A letter or document to show that you have successfully transferred funds to the UK bank in your own account.

IV A letter or receipt from the institute to show that you have paid all or part of your course fees.