Michelle & Chris

Hi

HELP

In a bit of a panic.

We've just found out that we have to complete student visa's for both or children 4 & 12yrs to accompany our main Talent Visa application. The BIG question is. Will they be considered International students by the schools, if so I've noticed that even the state schools charge for these students. We have not budgeted for school fees.

Please has any one got any experience of this, we're sending off the application any day now.

Many thanks.

Michelle

livewire

Your children will need student visas in order to get permits to live in NZ.

The schools may ask to see these, and your work permits, when you enrole them. They will not be charged international student fees if you are living here with them.

livewire

p.s.

Your kids will need to have medicals before you submit the applications, take along a copy of their immunisation records. (also keep copies for future reference and for when you register with a GP here).

Michelle & Chris

Hi

Thanks for the clarification on that one, most relieved I can tell you. All the medicals are done and we're about to send off the visa applications in a few days.

Many thanks


Michelle

P18PPS

Just a quick note re above - different from fees I know, but be prepared for the "school donations" regardless of whether you are an "international student" or a resident. Schools send you a bill each term and expect it to be paid - our is $100 per child per term (4 terms a year). This is in addition to the books, equipment and trip fees. Not loads when you convert back to £s, but certainly something to factor in to all your expenses.

foolsgold

You don't actually have to pay "donations", if you decide not to pay them, too bad.

P18PPS

That correct you don't have to pay them, but if you don't and many others didn't the school won't have sufficient funding: - equipment is not replaced, extra teachers are not employed, class sizes increase, standards can go down etc etc.

As you said though its your choice but not the kiwi way.

sky

The schools here expect a lot of involment from parents too, Ill be doing my school crossing duties again this year