New Zealand government has announced reopening of borders to all visa holders including international students from 31st July 2022. This is two months earlier than previously planned. It is a welcome change for international students who have been waiting for borders to open.
More than 5000 international students have already been confirmed for entry as part of previous border exemptions but recently announced changes offers entry to much wider group of international students.
Along with the border opening, New Zealand government has also announced changes in regards to post-study work rights. These changes are:
· Students in non-degree level courses will not get post-study work rights except where they are studying and then working in specified shortage and skilled occupations
· For degree-level and other eligible international students the length of time they can work after their studies will mirror the time they study in New Zealand. Currently some students can work for up to three years after just 30 weeks’ study. Masters and PhD students will retain the right to work in New Zealand for up to three years after their studies
· Students will also not be able to apply for a second post-study visa in New Zealand.
New Zealand is a well established international education market and a preferred English speaking destination for students. The early reopening of borders along with other planned changes will only help in rebuild the international education sector sustainably in New Zealand.
Full details of the changes announced by the government can be read here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/nz-border-fully-reopening-july-2022