New Zealand government has announced some amendments to the post-study work visa and the student visa requirements as part of the international strategy announced earlier in the year.

The government has recently opened their international borders on 31st July and have now begun the rebuilding phase of international education and enrolments.

A Post Study Work Visa essentially is a visa offering work rights to international students following the completion of their studies in New Zealand.

Under the newly announced changes, International students will be eligible for a Post Study Work Visa if:

• they have studied a degree level 7 or above qualification, or
• they studied a non-degree level 7 or below qualification, and their qualification is on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post Study Work Visa list.

They must also take a job that is related to what they studied, if they studied a non-degree level 7 or below qualification.

The ‘Qualifications Eligible for Post Study Work Visa’ list applicable for students who studied a non-degree level 7 or below qualification, can be accessed here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-information/work-and-employment/qualifications-eligible-for-a-post-study-work-visa

Also, need to keep in mind that international students will only be able to apply for this visa once.

Other major changes announced through the release of draft international strategy 2022-30, impacting international students are around the financial requirements to apply for the student visa to New Zealand:

• Prospective tertiary student visa applicants will need $20,000 per annum rather than the previous $15,000 and prospective international school students will need $17,000, although length of studies could change the requirements
• Students will need to pay tuition fees for the first year, or first program of study (whichever is the shorter), and they will have to prove funds for the same period
• Students transitioning to post-study work visas from 11 May will also need to show funds of $5,000

Get in touch to discuss how the changes impact you and your eligibility for the student visa and post-study work visa.