NZ Immigration Minister has announced several key changes to the student immigration policy and program to increase and attract foreign students. It was also directed to ensure quality immigration by curbing illegal or unethical immigration practice as many education providers enroll and invite abroad students who are not intended to finish the study or even study.

The key changes announced to be introduced from July 2011 include –

• Fastening the procedure of assessment to ensure students’ genuine intention of study and courses completion
• Tightening the student visa regulations over attendance as well as academic progress
• Tightening regulations of financial undertakings and sponsorship
• International students have to convince Immigration NZ about genuine access to funds for their study funding and maintenance
• The police and medical certificates’ legality period will be extended from two years to three years for PhD students, their dependants and partners; same will be for fee-paying international students.
• Candidates will require studying for at least 24 months to be eligible for Study to Work program, except they have credit-transferred bachelor degrees or postgraduate
• Candidates holding work permit need not require obtaining a variant of clauses to carry out training approved by their employer under job
• Students will be eligible to attain a second Graduate Job Search permit contrary to existing just one who have secured a second, higher qualification at bachelor or postgraduate level

Candidates willing to study and work in New Zealand can contact Abhinav or mail their resume to ajay@abhinav.com for a free assessment according to changed rules to evaluate your fair chances of New Zealand immigration.