Student visas go on fast track

Immigration New Zealand officials in India have begun to fast track student visa applications, removing avoidable delays, New Zealand’s High Commissioner Rupert Holborow said.

“Immigration New Zealand in India has been under-resourced leading to delays in the processing of visa applications from students in India. While this has been frustrating, it is essential to ensure that the bonafides of applicants are properly checked to maintain and foster New Zealand’s reputation as a world-class education centre. The new consular office in Mumbai is now staffed with 35 immigration staff, doubling the number in India,” he said, speaking to Indian Newslink in Auckland on June 13.

Mr Holborow said the number of students from India enrolled in New Zealand’s educational institutions had taken a giant leap to reach about 9000, with just 400 about ten years ago.

“Applicants submitting proper documents and satisfying the Immigration criteria can expect their visas processed quickly,” he said.

Further information can be obtained from the New Zealand High Commission, Sir Edmund Hillary Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110 021, India. Phone (0091-11) 46883170. Email: newzealandhc@bol.net.in or from the Office of the Consular General and Trade Commissioner in Mumbai, located at 10th Floor, Dalamal House, Nariman Point, Mumbai, India 400 021. Phone (0091-22) 66151155.

Source:http://www.indiannewslink.co.nz/index.php/educationlink/4588.html