Immigration New Zealand has made changes to the way they assess eligibility for a post-study work visa. The change is positive and expands eligibility to students who have undertaken subsequent qualifications.
What changes for the post-study work visa?
To be eligible for a post-study work visa, applicants must complete a New Zealand qualification that has been pursued full-time in New Zealand for the necessary minimum duration (depending on the course). They must also submit their application within the specified timeframe to be eligible.
Students who completed a 30-week Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) and then transitioned directly into a Master’s degree were not typically eligible for a post-study work visa. This is because they studied their Master's degree for less than 30 weeks (1 year in academic terms).
These students are now eligible, even if they were not enrolled in the Master’s program for the full 30 weeks, and can now apply for a Post Study Work visa (PSWV) based on their enrolment into a Post-Graduate Diploma. This improved eligibility enhances students' flexibility in their academic journey and guarantees that they can continue to work and gaining valuable professional experience in New Zealand after obtaining their qualifications.
What are the exact requirements?
If a student has obtained a qualification that opens rights to a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) and subsequently pursues a higher-level qualification that does not qualify for the PSWV—such as due to not meeting the minimum study duration—they will have a period of 12 months from the conclusion of their student visa associated with the initial qualification to submit an application for a PSWV.
They will still need to study the Master's Degree for a full 30 weeks if they wish to obtain a 3-year PSWV.
