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The reason why New Zealand is now among the preferred destinations for international students is attributed to the excellent educational system, secure environment, and attractive lifestyle. The universities here provide internationally recognised degrees, a practical teaching style, and very friendly campuses. The availability of a post-study work permit is one of the major reasons why students love New Zealand, especially depending on the programmes they study, where students enjoy an opportunity to get the necessary work experience following the completion of their course. Being culturally diverse, academically sound, and career-oriented, it offers an excellent platform to create a successful future. Due to this popularity, the visa is a tight procedure, and the interview is very important in making sure that you are a genuine and serious student.

In this blog, we will take you through all the necessary information as to what you are going to be asked, as well as other useful tips to help you prepare in all the right ways on how to successfully pass your New Zealand student visa interview.

What is the Purpose of the Visa Interview?

The interview plays a crucial role in the process of issuing visas since it will allow the immigration officer to make sure:

• That you are a real student

• That your papers are genuine

• That you can articulate your subject choice, university, and intentions

• That you do have sufficient money and sincere intentions to get back after study

When Will You Receive the Call?

After submitting your file to the New Zealand embassy, you can get your interview call within 2 days or 2-3 weeks in some instances. The timing is unpredictable, so you must be prepared at any time.

• Have your phone charged, on general ringing mode

• Do not ignore unexpected/international calls

• Missing the call will leave a negative impression, and it may even cause a decline of your visa application, so it is highly important to be alert.

Best Advice on a Successful Telephonic Interview

• Have your Statement of Purpose (SOP) prepared: Re-read your SOP very carefully just before the interview, as the interview is very much based on it.  Your answers should not differ from the written information. Given that the SOP is composed by the student, one needs to know what each line of it means. At Western Overseas, our professionals will help you develop a good and detailed SOP that will speak about your academics and career plans and prepare you for an interview.

• Be clear & fluent: Considering that you are at the other end of a phone, you must speak with clarity and certainty. 

• Relax: Do not panic when you do not understand a question and politely request the officer to read or repeat the question. Never show that you don’t know the answer. Requesting to repeat the question gives you time to understand and answer

Be prepared with your details: Stay well prepared with the details of your course modules (you might be asked to explain what subjects you are going to study), the name of the university, the amount of tuition fees in total and the approximate costs that you will need to cover annually as living expenses and most importantly the name of the person who would be sponsoring you, their relationship to you and their occupation. The officer may want to verify this information directly; therefore, you should be certain beyond any doubt regarding all the details in your file.

• Do not give unnecessary information: Respond to what is asked.

• Be courteous: Introduce yourself to the officer, keep a respectful tone of voice, and thank them afterwards.

Common Questions Asked by the Visa Officer

Some standard questions that students tend to be asked are as follows:

• Why have you selected New Zealand to study?

• Why did you pick this particular university/college?

• What is it that you will be studying and why?

• What is the relation between this course that you took and your previous education or plans?

• Who funds you and what is his/her profession?

• How much does your course and your living costs per annum?

• Where are you going to live in New Zealand?

• Are you going to do part-time employment throughout your studies?

• What are your plans after completing your course?

• Do you have any relatives or close family members in New Zealand?

Be ready with direct responses. You might not be required to memorise word-for-word, just like in a script, but do ensure that your responses and your file document are not mismatched.

• Documentation that must be carried (with one kept at the front when being called)

• File Number and Passport number

• Admission letter/Offer letter of a New Zealand institution

• Receipts on payment of fees

• Bank balance certification and sponsor documentation

• IELTS/PTE score page

• Your printout of the SOP

• Your academic and financial overview

It is a good idea to have these all set up at your table when you are performing a phone interview.

Have these neatly ready on your table during your phone interview.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. What in case I fail to pick up the call?

In case you miss the call, you will not have another chance. It is rather the most significant last step of getting approval. Not answering the call certainly proves you are irresponsible, and you will simply get disappointment. 

Q2. Is it possible to talk in the local language?

The interview is, as a rule, conducted in English. When you do not follow, politely enquire whether you can use simple English, but do not change to speaking your first language.

Q3. Will they enquire about the occupation of my sponsor?

Yes. You have to be aware of the profession, salary, and wealth of your sponsor.

Q4. Is the interview tough?

Well, not really, so long as you are not giving wrong & fabricated information. Be authentic. It is rather a verification call- not a technical exam. 

Q5. What is the call duration?

A typical call ranges between 8 to 15 minutes, and it will depend on what answers you give and your confidence level.

Last Pieces of Advice that will Impress the Visa Officer

• Don't be overconfident.

• Make your response brief.

• Never put yourself in a position to disagree with what you have written in your SOP or your files.

• Try to avoid the background sound when making the phone call- seek a place free of noise.

• Rehearse with your counsellor or your friend some mock interviews.

Conclusion

Your interview with the New Zealand visa officer should not frighten you, as it is just to ensure that your intentions are clear, being a bona fide student, and that you are well aware of what you are going to study and what your goal is. This should not be a reason to panic as long as you are properly prepared, completely honest, and you have your documents in place.

Remember:

“Confidence comes from preparation — prepare well, and success will follow.”

Need Professional Assistance?

At Western Overseas, we have assisted a cross-section of students to clear their New Zealand visa interview with ease. We offer dedicated training, mock interviews, updated checklists, and candid advice on a way to channel your confidence.

• Careful Visa Counsellors

• Practice Mock Interviews

• Authentic SOP & Financial Advice

Western Overseas- the Reliable Source of Success in the Study Abroad.