As an international student, completing your studies in New Zealand is a major achievement. A post-study work permit allows international students to gain work experience and boost their career prospects after completing their studies. In New Zealand, post-study work permits allow international students to work in the country for a certain period after graduation. This work experience can be valuable, as it can help students develop new skills, expand their professional network, and potentially lead to permanent residency in New Zealand.
New Zealand's post-study work permit policy has changed in recent years. In 2021, the government introduced a new post-study work permit policy, which provides more options and flexibility for international students. Under the new policy, international students can apply for a post-study work permit of up to three years, depending on their qualification level and the location of their study institution.
In addition to the new policy, New Zealand also has a range of visa options for international students. These include student visas, work visas, and residency visas. Understanding the visa rules and regulations is important for international students who wish to work and study in New Zealand. With the right qualifications and eligibility, a post-study work permit is a valuable opportunity to kickstart your career and settle in New Zealand for the long term.
Visa Rules in New Zealand
New Zealand is a well liked destination for international students because of its high-quality education system, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes. However, navigating the visa system can be daunting for students who wish to study and work in the country. Here's what you need to know about visa rules in New Zealand:
Types of Visas for International Students
New Zealand offers several types of visas for international students, including:
Student Visa: A student visa allows international students to study in New Zealand for a specified period. To be eligible for a student visa, applicants must have an offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider and provide evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
Work Visa: A work visa allows international students to work in New Zealand for a certain period. To be eligible for a work visa, applicants must have a valid job offer from a New Zealand employer and meet specific skills and qualification requirements.
Residency Visa: A residency visa allows international students to permanently live and work in New Zealand. To qualify for a residency visa, applicants must meet specific criteria, including age, health, character, and language requirements.
Post-Study Work Visa
International students who wish to stay in New Zealand after completing their studies can apply for a post-study work visa. The post-study work visa enables students to work in New Zealand for a specified period, depending on their qualifications and the location of their study institution.
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Talk to an ExpertRecent Changes to Post-Study Work Visa Policy: In November 2018, the New Zealand government changed its policy. The changes included:
- Removal of the employer-assisted post-study work visa: The employer-assisted post-study work visa was removed, meaning that international students no longer need a job offer to be qualified for a post-study work visa.
- Length of post-study work visa: The length of the post-study work visa now depends on the qualification level obtained and the study institution's location.
- Level 7 or higher qualification: Up to 3 years post-study work visa.
- Level 4-6 qualification: Up to 2 years post-study work visa.
- Level 3 qualification: Up to 1-year post-study work visa.
- Location-based visa requirements: The duration of the post-study work visa is also determined by the location of the study institution. Graduates of institutions in Auckland are eligible for a 3-year post-study work visa, while graduates outside of Auckland are eligible for a 1-year post-study work visa.
Post Study Work Permit in New Zealand Eligibility Criteria
Here are the eligibility criteria for the Post-Study Work Permit in New Zealand:
Qualification
To be eligible for the Post-Study Work Permit in New Zealand, you must have completed a suitable qualification from a New Zealand education provider. This could be a bachelor's degree, postgraduate diploma, master's degree, or any other recognized qualification. In other words, the type of qualification you have is important when applying for this visa.
New Zealand is known for its high-quality education system, which is why completing a qualification from a New Zealand education provider is valued by employers. Whether you've studied business, engineering, or another field, your qualification must be recognized by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to be eligible for this visa.
So, if you're looking to apply for a Post-Study Work Permit in New Zealand, ensure you've completed an eligible qualification from a New Zealand education provider.
Duration of study
You must have earned your degree within the last three years and have studied in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks to qualify for the Post-Study Work Permit. This means that your education should be current and that you should have lived in New Zealand long enough to thoroughly understand its people, culture, and workplace.
Visa type
You must have had a valid student visa during the entire time you were studying there to be eligible for the Post-Study Work Permit in New Zealand. This implies that you must adhere to your student visa conditions and stay in New Zealand for your study. Additionally, you must apply for the post-study work visa within three months of the expiry of your student visa.
Employment
You must need a full-time job offer from an approved employer relevant to your degree to be eligible for the Post-Study Work Permit in New Zealand. This implies that the job offer must match your degree and skill set and that the employer must have Immigration New Zealand's approval.
The job offer must also be for at least 12 months and 30 hours each week. This means that for at least a year after finishing your studies, you must work steadily and full-time for a company in New Zealand.
Health and character
You must satisfy the nation's standards for good health and moral character to be eligible for the Post-Study Work Permit in New Zealand. It follows that you must be in good health and character.
You must provide a medical certificate as part of your visa application to meet the health requirements. The medical certificate should be issued by a panel physician approved by Immigration New Zealand. It must show that you do not have any medical conditions that could pose a risk to public health in New Zealand.
To meet the character requirements, you must provide a police certificate as part of your visa application. The police certificate must be issued by the appropriate authority in your home country and show you have a clean criminal record. You may not be eligible for the Post-Study Work Permit if you have any criminal convictions.
English proficiency
To be eligible for the Post-Study Work Permit in New Zealand, you must meet the country's English language requirements.
You can meet the English language requirements through either of the following methods:
Completing an eligible qualification in New Zealand: If you have completed a suitable qualification in New Zealand, this will demonstrate that you have a good command of the English language. Eligible qualifications include degrees, diplomas, or certificates taught in English and recognized by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Providing evidence of meeting specific English language test requirements: If you have not completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand, you can still demonstrate your English language proficiency by providing evidence of meeting specific requirements. The most common English language tests accepted by Immigration New Zealand include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and Pearson Test of English (PTE).
Post Study Work Permit in New Zealand Application Process
Here's the application process for a post-study work permit in New Zealand, including the required documents, fees, processing time, and application steps.
Documents Required for the Permit
To apply for a post-study work permit in New Zealand, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Evidence of your current visa or permit status in New Zealand.
- A completed application form.
- Proof of your qualifications, including transcripts and certificates.
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in New Zealand.
- Evidence of your intention to leave New Zealand at the end of your permitted stay.
- A medical certificate, if required.
- Police certificates, if required.
Fees and Processing Time
The fees for a post-study work permit in New Zealand vary depending on the duration of the permit and whether you apply online or in person. As of April 2023, the fees are as follows:
- Online application: NZD 370 for a 12-month permit, NZD 640 for a 24-month permit.
- Paper application: NZD 420 for a 12-month permit, NZD 690 for a 24-month permit.
The processing time for a post-study work permit in New Zealand varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of your application, the completeness of your application, and the current workload of the immigration office. Generally, processing times range from 2-6 months.
Steps Involved in Applying for the Post-Study Work Permit
To apply for a post-study work permit in New Zealand, follow these steps:
Check your eligibility
Before you apply for a post-study work permit in New Zealand, it is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. To be eligible for a post-study work permit, you must have completed an acceptable qualification from a New Zealand education provider. The permit's duration will depend on your qualification level, with up to 3 years available for doctoral graduates. Additionally, you must have the financial resources to support yourself during your stay in New Zealand. You must be able to provide evidence of your intention to leave the country at the end of your permitted stay.
Gather the required documents
To apply for a post-study work permit in New Zealand, you will need to provide several documents, including a valid passport, evidence of your current visa or permit status in New Zealand, a completed application form, proof of your qualifications, evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in New Zealand, evidence of your intention to leave New Zealand at the end of your permitted stay, a medical certificate if required, and police certificates if required.
Complete the application form
You can complete your post-study work permit application form online or in person. The application form will ask you for personal information, details of your qualifications, information about your financial resources, and information about your intentions for your stay in New Zealand. It is important to fill out the form accurately and completely to avoid delays or a refusal of your application.
Pay the application fee
The fee for a post-study work permit in New Zealand varies depending on the duration of the permit and whether you apply online or in person. To submit your application, you will need to pay the application fee. The fee can be paid online or at a New Zealand immigration office.
Submit the application
Once you have completed the application form and paid the fee, you can submit your application and supporting documents online or in person. It is important to ensure that your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays or a refusal of your application.
Wait for a decision
Processing times for post-study work permit applications can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of your application and the current workload of the immigration office. After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the immigration office to process your application and make a decision. You can check the status of your application online using the Immigration New Zealand website.
Receive your permit
If your post-study work permit application is successful, you will receive your permit via email or post. The permit will outline the duration of your permitted stay in New Zealand, any conditions attached to your stay, and the date your permit will expire. It is important to follow with the conditions of your permit and to ensure that you leave New Zealand at the end of your permitted stay.
