From the 31st of July 2022, New Zealand will start processing their student and visitor visas as the government coins this as “the full resumption of international education.” Not only will an extra 5,000 students set foot in the nation via a border exception in the upcoming weeks once they receive their visa approvals, as visas are already in the mode of processing for this group.
Those overseas students planning to study in New Zealand should be ready for stricter post-study work rights rules and stringent financial resources requirements. To this development of an international education strategy, Education Minister Chris Hipkins was quoted as saying that “The future will be different; we will not be going back to National’s volume over value approach that became a backdoor to residency for lower-skilled and lower-paid migrant workers, who were on the verge of exploitation.
The changes we’re announcing today seek to attract students to New Zealand to learn while also shutting the backdoor route to residency.” Also, an announcement was made on the details of post-study work rights for overseas students.
The ones who are pursuing degree-level sources are qualified for post-study work rights. Still, the students with a non-degree will only be allowed to work after they finish their studies and, if their qualification relates to occupation, put on the new Green List.
This list encompasses 85 occupations, and the government states that the list “will provide a streamlined and prioritized pathway to residency incentivizing high skilled healthcare, engineers, trade, and tech sector workers to relocate to New Zealand long term.”
The students who graduate are allowed for post-study employment spanning three years, and also, no students shall be entitled to apply for a second work permit. Moreover, overseas students now have to showcase and prove that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses in New Zealand.
Those with higher education and English language need to show resources worth NZ$20,000 per year. On the other hand, primary and secondary students will be required to demonstrate resources of NZ$17,000 every year.
Also, students must pay their entire tuition fees during their first year. Want more such exciting updates on NZ immigration? Get in touch with our certified immigration consultants by ringing us at 8595338595 or mail us at [email protected]
