What documents and proof of funds are acceptable for New Zealand student visa, especially regarding source of funds and investments like PPF, LIC, and business income?
For a New Zealand student visa, INZ requires first-year tuition plus NZD 20,000 living expenses and NZD 2,000 travel. PPF and EPF count only for withdrawable amounts with statements. LIC counts at surrender value. Business income needs ITR and audited accounts, and every large deposit must be explained.
Immigration New Zealand cares as much about where your money came from as how much you have. Sudden unexplained deposits trigger rejections, so your job is to show a clear, traceable financial history behind every asset you present.
Core Funding Requirements
| Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Living expenses | NZD 20,000 per year (or NZD 1,667 per month for shorter courses) |
| Tuition | Full first academic year |
| Travel | NZD 2,000 or a pre-purchased outward ticket |
How Investments Are Assessed
| Asset | How INZ Treats It |
|---|---|
| PPF and EPF | Only the withdrawable portion, with an official PF statement |
| LIC policies | Counted at current surrender value |
| Business income | Needs ITR and audited financial accounts |
My Advice
Build your fund proof at least six months before your 2026 or 2027 application so nothing looks like a last-minute deposit. Pull updated PPF and EPF statements, get your LIC surrender values in writing, and pair business income with ITR and audited accounts to satisfy the source-of-funds check.
Cash income, business income or no ITR?
See whether your funds and documents will pass the NZ visa check.
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