Educating abroad is an important dream for students around the world. This dream is very popular especially among Indian students, as they get the motivation to go abroad in search of career advancement and better opportunities. However, in recent times, the increasing visa rejection rates for Indian students in New Zealand have become a serious concern. In this article, we will discuss in detail the increasing trend of visa rejection rate in New Zealand, its possible causes, and its impact.
Increasing Visa Rejection Rate for Indian Students
New Zealand, due to its high-quality education system and safe environment, has been a popular destination for Indian students. But recently, the unexpected increase in visa rejection rate has created problems for many students and their families. In the year 2024, the visa rejection rate for Indian students has reached almost 40%, which means that 4 out of 10 students are unable to get a visa despite getting admission to the university. In contrast, the visa rejection rate for Chinese students is a mere 2%, which makes this situation even more worrying.
Possible Reasons for Visa Rejection for Indian Students
There can be many possible reasons behind this increase in visa rejection rate, to understand which we need to consider various aspects:
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Strictness of Visa Application Process:
- Stringent Rules: The visa application process in New Zealand has become more stringent over time. The process not only focuses on the qualifications of the students but also on their financial stability, future plans, and the authenticity of the information given during their visa interview. Any kind of inconsistency or uncertainty can lead to visa rejection.
- Fraudulent documents: There have been some cases of submission of fraudulent documents among Indian students, which has led New Zealand authorities to tighten scrutiny of visa applications. Whether these documents are related to education or financial, if they are not correct, the risk of visa rejection increases.
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Deficiencies in financial documentation:
- Insufficient funds: To study in New Zealand, students have to prove that they have sufficient funds for their studies and living. If any deficiency is found in the bank statements or other financial documents of the students, the chances of visa rejection increase.
- Validity of funds: Sometimes, even if the students have sufficient funds, they are unable to properly prove the validity of those funds. For example, if the funds are given by a third person, satisfactory information is not provided regarding its source and use.
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Inconsistency in living plans:
- Poor study plan: Visa officers need to be convinced that students will return to their home country after completing their studies. If the study plan of the students is not clear or there is inconsistency in it, the risk of visa rejection increases.
- Inadequate lodging arrangements: Visas can also be rejected if students are unable to present a proper plan for accommodation and expenses during their education. New Zealand officers have to ensure that students fully understand and are prepared for their living requirements after coming there.
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Inconsistency in interview:
- Interview performance: Visa interview is a crucial part in which students have to give clear and verifiable answers to all the questions related to their visa application. If students are not able to show confidence during the interview or any inconsistency is found in their information, then visa rejection may occur.
- Lack of clarity on future plans: Students need to show clarity about their future plans. If they are unable to prove during the interview that they have a solid career plan, visa officers may doubt their intentions.
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Different attitudes towards students from different countries:
- Attitudes of visa officers towards students from different countries: According to statistics, the visa rejection rate for Chinese students is only 2%, while for Indian students, this rate has reached 40%. This difference shows that visa officers may have different attitudes towards students from different countries. This discrimination may be based on various aspects of education and security.
- Experience and trends: Based on past experiences and trends of students coming from different countries, the attitude of visa officers may vary. For example, students from China are generally considered to be more disciplined and financially stable, which may increase the chances of their visa applications being successful.
Impact of Visa Rejection
The impact of visa rejection for Indian students can be profound at the individual and collective levels. To understand these impacts, we need to consider them from different perspectives:
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Impact at the individual level:
- Economic loss: Visa rejection can cause financial loss to students and their families. There is no refund for the fees, travel and interview expenses, and other administrative charges incurred in the visa application process, which can cause financial pressure.
- Psychological impact: Visa rejection can have a profound impact on the confidence of students. Not getting a visa after a long period of hard work and preparation can cause them mental stress and disappointment.
- Career impact: Visa rejection can also impact the career of students. Getting an education abroad can be important for their career, and not getting a visa can cause them to reconsider their career plans.
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Impacts at the Collective Level:
- India-New Zealand Relations: If the visa rejection rate increases, it may also impact the bilateral relations between India and New Zealand. Efforts for cooperation and cultural exchange in the field of education may decrease.
- Reputation of Indian Students: An increase in the visa rejection rate may negatively impact the reputation of Indian students. This may create a negative perception towards Indian students among universities and visa officers of other countries.
Solutions and Suggestions
Some suggestions can be given to reduce the visa rejection rate for Indian students:
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Good Preparation and Correct Information:
- Students should prepare thoroughly for the visa application process and submit all the documents correctly. They should ensure that their documents are completely correct and verified.
- Students should prepare for the interview with confidence and clarity. They should present their study plan and future plans with accuracy.
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Proof of financial stability:
- Students must ensure that they are providing proof of sufficient funds to fund their studies and living. They must submit clear information about the validity and source of their funds.
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Counselling and guidance:
- Students must seek advice from experienced counsellors and agents who can guide them properly in the visa application process.
