U3.40 Students who wish to change their course...

U3.40 Students who wish to change their course of study and/or education provider

Immigration Act 1987 s 27(7)

1. A further student permit or variation of conditions, for the purpose of changing course and/or education provider, will only be granted if an immigration officer is satisfied that:
   1. the applicant meets the student policy requirements set out at U3.1; and
   2. the applicant has not breached their permit conditions as set out at U2.10; and
   3. the original student visa would have been issued for the proposed course and/or education provider; and
   4. the applicant remains a bona fide applicant (see E5.1).
2. Factors that an immigration officer may take into consideration when determining (a)(iii) and (a)(iv) above include, but are not limited to:
   1. the time elapsed since the original visa or permit was issued or granted;
   2. whether the level and/or subject-area of the proposed course are significantly different from the original course; and
   3. any relevant information held about the previous application(s) including advice from the original issuing branch (see E7.1.1).
3. Applicants who have received NZAID funding within the two years prior to their application to change course and/or education provider being made, must also provide evidence that NZAID supports the change of course or education provider and that any scholarship continues.
4. Students who are granted a variation of conditions to their permit under this policy and who wish to travel outside New Zealand must:
   1. apply for a further multiple student visa, and
   2. pay the appropriate fee.
5. Applicants who wish to change their course and/or education provider may provide evidence of payment of course fees after the application has been approved in principle.

Effective 30/11/2009