Latest updates to Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand

The Government of New Zealand has always welcomed international students with open arms. Its immigration and visa laws are designed to ensure that International students are entitled to a lot of benefits. The Government has introduced changes to the post-study work visa in August 2018 to generate educational, economic, social and cultural benefits for New Zealand via its international students.
The latest update to the post-study work visa rules have been made to benefit the international students who come with a valid New Zealand Student Visa. This article throws light on New Zealand’s Post-study work visa taking into account the amendments introduced.

Essential conditions
In order to be eligible for a post-study work visa, you must have studied in New Zealand for a level 4 or higher qualification according to the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.

PSW Visa Duration
1.    For studying in Auckland for Level 4 - 6 and non-degree Level 7 qualifications, one-year PSW Visa is granted.
2.    Outside Auckland, if the study is completed by December 2021, a 2-year post-study work visa is granted for students studying Level 4 - 6 and non-degree Level 7 qualifications.
3.    However, after December 2021, the length of the post-study visa will be 1 year for those studying outside Auckland as well.
4.    For students completing a Bachelor’s Degree (Level 7), Post Graduate Diploma (Level 8), or a Master’s Degree (Level 9), a uniform 3-year post-study visa is granted throughout New Zealand.

Working on the PSW Visa
The previous employer-assisted post-study work visa has been replaced by the common post-study work visa. Through this visa, you are entitled to work for any employer and pursue almost any job in New Zealand.
 
For Family Members
If international students are studying Level 8 qualifications and fall in the area specified on the Long Term Skills Shortage list, their partner may also apply for a work visa and the dependent children are entitled to study fee-free as domestic students. However for students studying Level 9 and above courses (Masters/Phd.) there is no restriction for the course to be under the Long Term Skills Shortage list for the spouses to be able to work full time apart from their dependent children getting free education till high school as well.

Applying for a New Post-study Work Visa
You can apply for a post-study work visa a second time only when: -
1.    You have completed another qualification.
2.    You meet the New Zealand Student Visa Requirements. 
3.    Your duration of study is 30 weeks or more.
4.    Your qualification is a bachelor's degree or a post-graduate qualification.
5.    The new qualification is at a higher level than the qualification of the previous visa.

To assist students in meeting the visa requirements and provide financial assistance, it is advised to consult top overseas education consultants and get their expert advice.

Related URL:
A quick look at the New Zealand student visa requirements
Types of New Zealand Study Visas