Immigration Rebalance Continues as Post-Study Work Visa Changes Implemented

Changes have now been implemented to the Post-Study work visa eligibility criteria, and the conditions of work visas granted under this category. Many of these changes represent INZ taking a step back in time, with the new rules for non-degree qualifications at level 4-7 closely resembling those in place prior to November 2018 with the need to work in an occupation relevant to the qualification completed.

The changes, in effect as of 7 September, apply to all new students who apply for a student visa after 11 May 2022. In summary, the changes are:

• Post-Study work visas can only be granted to applicants who have completed an eligible qualification. This includes degree level 7 qualifications or above, and certain non-degree qualifications at level 4-7.
• The duration of Post-Study work visas will now mirror the duration of study for any students who have completed courses at Level 8 or below. INZ will base this off the offer of place, and so whatever is stated on the offer of place will be reflected in the visa conditions. Taking extra time to complete a qualification will therefore not result in a longer Post-Study visa.
• Students who have completed their master’s or PhD in New Zealand will remain eligible for a three-year work visa.
• In a return to the past, INZ will impose conditions on those who have studied at non-degree levels 4-7, meaning that they will only be able to work in a field directly linked to their area of study. This is similar to past versions of this policy, which required the major subject area and level of qualification to be directly applicable to the employment, however under the new policy there is a specific list of eligible qualifications that will be eligible for Post-Study work rights.
• Applicants who have studied a level 7 degree or higher qualification will continue to receive open work rights on their Post-Study work visa.
• It will not be possible to get a second Post-Study work visa, even if a second, higher qualification has been completed.

In line with past changes under this category, INZ will implement transitional arrangements for students who applied for their student visas on or before 11 May 2022, and for those who were granted a student visa as part of the border exception for 5,000 students (cohort 4). These applicants will be assessed under the previous Post-Study work visa policy and so will not require an offer of employment in order to be granted their visa.

For those students who applied for their student visa on or after 12 May 2022, the list of eligible non-degree level 4-7 qualifications is as follows:

These qualifications have been specified because they are relevant to roles on the Green List. There is therefore a clear pathway to residence for students who complete one of the eligible qualifications, and then move on to secure employment in their chosen field. While Post-Study work visas for those students will require them to work in their specific Green List occupation, they will not be tied to a specific employer and there is no minimum pay rate required.

To discuss your position or to plan the best approach to study, settle and work in New Zealand, contact one of our team today.