Immigration NZ has recently changed the post study work visa policy. The new policy which was announced on 8th Aug 2018 has greatly benefited the students who plan to pursue a Post Grad Qualification in NZ apart from benefiting the students with 2 years of post-study work visa if they pursue a qualification outside Auckland.
Options for Students with a Bachelor’s/ Masters degree
Depending on the individual profiles, students may opt for following
Level 9 courses
If you are Graduate and opt for a Masters course level 9 you are eligible for a 3 years open work visa post successful completion of your studies. The duration of these courses is minimum of 18 months. Apart from being eligible for 3 years post study work visas your spouse is eligible for a work visa as a dependent of a student visa holder
Level 8 Courses
Opting for a post graduate diploma level 8 of duration of 1 year would make you eligible for post study work rights of 3 years.
If you are a graduate and looking for a course of duration of 1 year giving you 3 years Post Study Work Rights you may opt for post graduate level 8 courses
Level 7 Courses
A graduate Diploma level 7 qualification of duration of 1 year makes you eligible for 2 years post study work visa if you studying outside Auckland. If you are studying in Auckland you get 1 year post study work visa. Again if you are working towards registration with a professional trade or body you get 1 additional year i.e. 2 years of post study work visa in Auckland. 2 years option of post study work visa would be available if you complete your studies by 31 December 2021. Post 31 December 2021 Level 7 courses would be eligible for 2 years visa only if you are working towards registration with a professional trade or body.
Options for students with 10+2
Bachelors level 7 courses (3 years duration)
If your qualification is 10+2 and you opt for a Bachelors degree level 7 of duration of 3 years you are eligible for a 3 years’ post study work visa.
Diploma courses level 4 to 6
10+2 students may opt for diploma courses of level 4 to 6 (duration of 2 years) and be eligible for 2 years post study work visa if studying outside Auckland and 1 year if you study in Auckland. Post 31 December 2021 you would be eligible for 1 year of post study work visa.
Work visa for spouse
If you are married and would like to support work visa application for your spouse your course must be a
- Level 7 or 8 qualification and the qualification is specified on the Long Term Skill Shortage List,
- a Level 9 or 10 qualification
For all other qualifications the students won’t be able to support work visa application for your spouse post 26 November 2018.