New Zealand universities are urging Immigration to figure out a quick solution to approving student visas.

18 percent of student visas remained unconfirmed by the time universities started for the 2024 year.

Immigration NZ visa director Celia Coombes says a number of student visa applications were sent in too late to process.

"We provided advice recommending people apply 3 or 4 months ahead of travel, but we were quite clear over the summer period to please allow for at least 8 weeks."

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