What Reviewers Look For in the Genuine Intentions Supporting Letter — New Zealand
This rubric evaluates whether your letter clearly explains why you need the proposed study now, why the course and provider fit that need, and what lawful step you plan to take after study. It also looks for a credible funding explanation when funding is discussed, relevant personal or immigration circumstances, and claims that are consistent, specific, and truthful.
Part of the Immigration & Visas shelfWhat We Check
Whether the proposed study follows from the applicant's education, training, work, or an explained pivot and leads to a lawful next step.
Why response-visible course and provider elements fit the applicant's stated study need.
The funding plan only where the letter discusses funding or a visible instruction requests it, without pretending to inspect financial records; INZ weighs funds as application evidence…
A lawful next step without ranking return above another valid status.
Whether material claims carry response-visible anchors and agree across the letter.
Mistakes We Flag
- Using vague study goals
- Saying you want a “better future” or to “enhance your skills” does not explain what you will learn, why you need it now, or what you will do with it next.
- Praising New Zealand instead of explaining your choice
- Country praise, rankings, or location do not show why a particular course or provider fits your study plan. Connect a named course, teaching, placement, research, or support feature to your own need.
- Giving an unclear funding account
- If you discuss funding, identify who is providing it, where it comes from, how much is available, and the period it covers. Do not imply that funds for one year cover a longer program without explaining later-year planning.
- Making unsupported promises about the future
- A return plan, future job, ongoing stay, visa outcome, or funding availability should not be presented as guaranteed. State the relevant timing, conditions, lawful pathway, or basis for the plan.
- Leaving important claims unexplained or inconsistent
- Explain any disclosed refusal, overstay, study change, attendance concern, or progress issue. Keep names, dates, amounts, roles, courses, and sponsor details consistent, and use truthful, specific descriptions of supporting documents.
How this rubric reads your essay
- Built from published reader guidance — the sources are listed below.
- Scored per section against defined criteria, not general impressions.
- Calibrated for consistent scoring, so a better draft shows up in the score.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to explain why I chose this course and provider?
Yes. Explain how visible features of the course or provider meet your stated study need. General statements about education quality, rankings, scenery, or the country are not enough on their own.
Do I have to include funding in my letter?
Funding is evaluated when your letter discusses it or when a visible instruction asks for it. If you discuss it, make the source, availability, and period clear; separate financial evidence may support the application.
Must I promise to return home after my studies?
No. A lawful next step may include applying for another visa or returning home. If another visa is unavailable, your plans should include leaving New Zealand.
Do I need to discuss property, family, or every past immigration detail?
Only discuss personal and immigration circumstances that apply and are disclosed in your letter. Do not claim that property, marriage, or employment is mandatory proof for every applicant, but explain any relevant issue you raise.
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