New Post-Study work visa policy announced
The new policy around Post-Study work rights affects international students who graduate in New Zealand after 26 November 2018. But it also has an impact on current students that have just graduated. Lastly, if also affects current holders of postgraduate work visas.
An international student who graduates in New Zealand has the option to stay in New Zealand to gain work experience in the area they studied. Currently, there are two different visas available to graduates: a 12-month open work visa and a 24-month employer-assisted work visa.
In the new policy only the open work visa exists. The duration of the open work visa is 1, 2 or 3 years. The length of the open work visa depends on the level of your course and where you have studied.
To be eligible for a postgraduate work visa you must complete at least an NZQF level 4 qualification that was at least 30 weeks (one academic year) in length.
| Open work visa duration | Graduated from |
| 1 year |
|
| 2 years |
|
| 3 years |
|
* excluding distance learning
Existing student visa holders
You are an existing student visa holder if you held a student visa on 8 August 2018. You are also an existing student if Immigration accepted your student visa application for processing on or before 8 August 2018.
An existing student that graduates after 26 November 2018 is eligible for a 3-year postgraduate open work visa.
You get a postgraduate visa under the current policy if you graduate before 26 November and you receive a postgraduate work visa before this date as well. This means either a 1-year open work visa or a 2-year employer-assisted work visa. You can ask to have the employer and position removed from your Employer-Assisted visa after 26 November.
You are only eligible for a post-study work visa if you studied at least a level 4 qualification with a duration of 1 academic year (30 weeks).
Existing postgraduate work visa holders
If you currently hold a 1-year open work visa, you may apply for a further 2-year open work visa. Or, if your current open work visa expires before 26 November, you need to apply for a postgraduate Employer-Assisted visa. You may ask to get the position and employer removed from your visa after 26 November.
Partners of student visa holders
Currently, a partner is eligible for an open work visa if their partner studies towards
- a Bachelor Degree that is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List, or
- a level 8 or higher qualification.
Under the new policy, nothing changes for partners of Bachelor Degree students. However, for partners of students of level 8 and above courses things change. They can only apply for an open work visa if the qualification of their partner is on the Long Term Skills Shortage List. This aligns the policy with the policy for Bachelor Degrees. Consequently, fewer partners can apply for an open work visa while their partner is studying. An additional income during the period of study is very beneficial. Immigration New Zealand hopes that, as a result, more people will choose to study a subject that is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List.
Hello Iam currently studying Healthcare level 5 in Auckland. My course finishes in December this year. Just a question M i eligible for post study work visa after studying.
Hi Saiyad,
No, you are not eligible for a post-study work visa. Your course is not on the approved list of courses. There are very few courses level 4 to 6 that are on the list.
To stay in NZ lawfully, you either need to enroll in another higher level course and apply for a student visa, or find a job with an accredited employer and apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (or apply for a short term visitor visa).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello,
I have done Diploma in hotel management level 5 for 1 year and then NZ diploma in business level 6 for 2 years. Have used 1 year open job search already after that. Have used 2 year employer assisted visa as well. Now i am doing Graduate diploma in business innovation level 7. Finishing in april 2022. Am i eligible for 2nd time post study work visa?
Hi Jatin,
It appears you do not meet the requirements for a second post-study work visa because:
– you do not meet the transitional provisions that apply since November 2018, or
– your current course isn’t a Bachelor’s degree or postgraduate qualification.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Fejia
Thank you for answering my earlier question.
Can I be eligible to apply for a Post study work visa if the Master programme
is available for international students via distance learning?
Thank you.
Hi Farah,
The post-study work visa requirements have not changed due to COVID. This means that you need to study at least 30 weeks in New Zealand to be eligible.
Kind regards,
Feija
I have completed Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Science Level 8 in 2019 and am currently on a Post-Study work visa which expires end of next year. I am planning to enrol for Masters in Computer Science Level 9 next year if I am unable to secure a job before that. Will I get another 3 years Post-study Work Visa after upon completing my Masters if I do so?
Hi Syed,
Yes, you can apply for another post-study work visa after you complete a Master Degree, but only if you studied the Master full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hai, currently I am doing level 7 Graduate Diploma in Business (Accounting). I am planning to do Level 6 Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Supply. Am I able to bring my husband during my study.
Hi Jeslin,
Your husband can apply for a visitor visa based on your status as a student. However, he is not eligible to apply for a work visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, I already have a 3 years open work visa but currently not in New Zealand already for half a year. This is due to my sudden change of plans ( majorly due to this pandemic).
I would like to know if my open work visa will be suspended because of my absence within New Zealand if it’s more than a year. Your advice is very much appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Reina,
Your visa stays valid for the entire 3-years unless the visa was granted while you were outside New Zealand. If that was the case, there may be a “first entry before date” on the visa. If you are not able to travel to New Zealand before this date, the visa may become invalid.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, I am pursuing Master’s in Information technology in Auckland (level 9), am I eligible for 3 years work visa after studies? and will my spouse be eligible to get the work visa as a dependent?
Hi Piyush,
Yes, after you graduate, you should be able to get a 3-year open work visa, and yes, your wife is able to get a work visa as your dependent.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feija,
My husband has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with 11 years of work experience as an Operations Engineer (manufacturing plant) outside NZ. He plans to apply for a student visa and take a 1 year GD in Operations & Production Management (Level 7) in ARA University. LTSSL shows an occupation for Production or Plant Engineer, will I and our children be able to apply for visas based on our relation to him with his kind of degree and experience based on the present laws?
Thank you for your answer.
Hi Liz,
No, probably not.
In order to be eligible for a work visa, the qualification undertaken by the student visa holder must be specified on the Long Term Skill Shortage List at the time the work visa application is submitted. A graduate diploma is not specified on the Long Term Skill Shortage list.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, I am pursuing Master’s in tourism management in Christchurch (level 9), am I eligible for 3 years work visa after studies? and will my spouse be eligible also for 3 years work visa?
Secondly, what if I will not be able to clear last semester. will my spouse and myself still be getting post-study work visa? I have already passed two semesters which is equal to level 8.
Hi,
When graduating from a Master Degree, you are eligible for a 3-year work visa. You wife is able to apply for a work visa as your dependent. This visa will be valid for the same time as your visa.
You can only be granted a post-study work visa if you complete the program mentioned on your student visa label. I assume this says Master Degree. If you do not complete the third semester and graduate with a postgraduate degree, you will not be eligible for the post-study work visa as a postgraduate degree is different from a Master Degree.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
My question is regard to eligibility for post study work visa.
I came into New Zealand on a student visa for completing a PhD in July 2015. By Sep 2018 I had a full time job offer so I started working full time on my student visa (expired on Mar 2019) and continued my PhD part time. Then I moved to an essential skill work visa and continued my work and my PhD.
Now I have completed my PhD (Mar 2020) and will I be eligible for a post study work visa ?.
Hi Mohamed,
No, you are not able to apply for a post-study work visa. One of the requirements is that you apply no later than 6 months after the expiry of your student visa (if you studied towards a PhD). As your student visa expired more than 1 year ago and you currently hold a completely different visa, you are not eligible for a post-study work visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Sorry, just to re-frame my query. My wife, who lives in India, plans on doing a 1 year, Post Graduate Diploma, level 8, in Arts through DISTANCE EDUCATION (ie. while living in India) from a University in Auckland. Will she be eligible for a post qualification work visa on completion of the course or is this work visa only granted to students who are on a full time course.
Thanking you,
Carl
Hi Carl,
Your wife is not eligible for a student visa if her course is through distance education. This automatically means that she also is not eligible for a post-study work visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi I’m planning to study a 1 year full-time in Master of IT project management (level 9) in Auckland. The course only need to study two semesters. Does it fulfill the 30 weeks requirements to get a post study work visa when I finish the course?
Hi Chui,
2 Semesters generally is a full academic year. A semester usually is 15 weeks. Full-time 1-year courses have 120 credits. So if the university says it’s 1-year full time AND for at least 120 credits/points you can be fairly sure it will meet the requirements to be granted a post-study work visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi I’m an international student who has plans to apply for finance graduate diploma (level 7) or postgraduate diploma (level 8) in NZ. pls clarify the below,
-Does my partner get a long term visit visa during my study period, since accounting is not in long term skill shortage in level 7/8?
-During my post study period, can my partner get work visa in level 7/8?
Hi Jayinka,
Your partner can always apply for a visitor visa as your partner when you are studying in New Zealand. Your course does not need to be in an area/occupation specified on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. With the courses you have listed in Finance, your partner cannot apply for a work visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree holder and wants to take Postgraduate Diploma in Business Informatics (Level 8) at ICL Graduate Business School in Auckland.
If I get Postgraduate Student Visa, does my Husband eligible to get an open work visa in New Zealand while I’m studying? He is also a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree holder and have almost 8 years of work experiences in the same field.
Thanks in advnace.
Hi Cor,
I have doubts about this program. Looking at the subjects that are mentioned on the website it seems more a business course than an IT course. Your husband can apply for a work visa as the partner of a student if you are studying in an area/occupation mentioned on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. the course you mention, from a quick glance, does not seem to meet this requirement.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I understand.. Thanks.. maybe I should take Master of Applied Information Technology (Level 9) at Waikato Institute of Technology. I think my Husband can apply for open work visa if I study this program. What you think?
Regards,
Cor
Hi Cor,
Yes, you are correct, your husband can apply for a work visa if you study a level 9 course.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
My wife is planning to do Phd in New Zealand. So do I get work visa to work in New Zealand since I’m her partner? and what are the privileges included in this work visa category?
HI Naween,
Yes, if your partner is granted a student visa to study a Ph.D. then you can obtain a work visa. With this type of work visa, you can work for any employer and for any occupation. This can be a full-time or part-time job. You do not need a job offer and you do not need to work continuously (or work at all).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
If i want to study cookery for level 4 & 5 for 2 years course, can my spouse apply for work visa.
And can I bring along my 3 years old child with me while im holding student visa.
Hi Peggy,
If you study a level 4 and 5 qualification, your husband cannot get a work visa. He can apply for a visitor visa. Your 3-year old child is also eligible for a visitor visa. They will have to meet the fund requirements for visitors.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija!
I am doing Nursing CAP (level 7) which only lasts for 9 weeks, am I eligible to get a post study work visa when I finish the course? If not, what type of visa will I be able to apply for after the course?
*I was just confused because I read that they only grant PSWV if I studied level 7 for a minimum of 30 weeks.
Thank you!
Hi Mike,
You are not eligible for a postgraduate work visa as you have to have studied (and completed) a qualification in NZ for at least 30 weeks.
It really depends on your situation if you are eligible to apply for another type of visa and if so, what type is suitable for you. I would be happy to discuss your situation in a Consultation (a fee applies). You can contact me through the contact form on the website (http://experienzimmigration.co.nz/contact-us/)
Kind regards,
Feija
Hey I’m studying post graduation diploma level 7 in hotel management and it gives 1 year work visa after study…if I want to stay in New Zealand for more year then what is the procedure?
Hi Rahul.
A very simple answer is to find a suitably skilled full-time job and apply for another work visa (and/or a resident visa if you qualify). Another option is to continue to study and apply for another student visa. The best option in your situation depends on your circumstances and may be different for everybody.
Kind regards,
Feija
If I do course of level 8 post-graduate diploma in information technology for feb intake 2020 than will my spouse get work visa.
Hi Preeti,
If your course is a level 8 and the area of study is in an area that is identified on the Long Term Skill Shortage List then your husband can apply for a work visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi! I am hoping to study a Masters (Level 9) course and am a single parent. Also hoping to take my Daughter who is 16yrs old with me . Can she apply for student visa and be considered as a domestic student?
Hi Hims,
Dependent children of student visa holders are considered international students and thus have to pay international tuition fees (and meet all other requirements for international students). There are a few exceptions, like if you are studying for a Ph.D., but not for a Masters.
Kind regards,
Feija
Good evening,
I am applying a pathway student visa for a bachelor of nursing level 7. So, can u please advise me that I can support my partner work visa when on a pathway student visa or not?
Thanks!
Hi Rana,
You can probably support your partner for the Bachelor of Nursing part of your pathway visa. However, a pathway visa is often for two different courses so if you need to complete an English language course first, then you cannot support your partner for that part of the pathway.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hey feija
I have done level 5 n 6 and held my post study work visa which was expired last year on 24 august 2018 and I got student visa after that but i applied on 20th august 2018 and would I am eligible for 1 year open work visa as immigration media facts says if you applied study after 08 august 2018 eligible for 1 year in auckland or 2 in outside
Hi Garry,
You are only eligible for a post-study work visa if your current course is a Bachelor Degree of a postgraduate degree. If it is a graduate diploma level 7 (or lower), you are not eligible for a postgraduate visa.
Bachelor and higher degrees always entitle you to 3 years post-study work visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I am here on a post study work visa for a 9 months since my course is of 6 months ( Post graduate in Engineering Certificate level-8) am I eligible for open work visa? for 1,2 or 3 years?
Hi Amaan,
If your course is only 6 months then you are not eligible for a post-study work visa at all. You must study a course (level 7 or higher) for at least 30 weeks.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, I am studying bachelor’s of nursing level 7. Is it possible for my husband to get open work visa. Please advise me further.
Thanks
Hi Sonia,
Yes, he probably can apply for an open work visa. Although there is a small “but” as a nursing qualification is not specified on the Long Term Skill Shortage List.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, my wife is studying a level 5 diploma in business management course in New Zealand.
since i’m not eligible for a open work visa, being a businessman i intend to apply for a entrepreneur business visa separately. will these two visas make a conflict or will they have it separately as 02 separate lodgements ??
Hi Dilan,
You can apply for a different type of visa without any issue. It will not conflict with your wife’s visa.
Just be mindful that you need a very solid business plan and you also must meet all criteria. The current processing time for this type of visa is 18 months and the decline rate is very high (last year about 67%). Please make sure you meet the requirements before you apply.
There may be other options for you available that are less risky.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there 🙂 My Post-Study open visa is expiring in August. I am aware that I am able to apply for a further 2-year open visa, do you know what forms I need to fill and send off in order to continue the visa? Thanks heaps, Lidia
Hi Lidia,
I’m happy to advise you on which form to use and what documents to submit, but that falls out of the scope of questions, I answer here for free.
If you wish to discuss your situation a Consultation may be a good option for you (a fee applies).
Please contact us here: http://experienzimmigration.co.nz/contact-us/
Kind regards,
Feija
Good day!
I am planning to study Postgraduate Certificate in Science level 8, would that give me a postgraduate visa?Is 0.5 year considered 30 weeks already?
Thank you.
Hi Pamela,
Just Science is too generic. 0.5 years is not the same as 30 weeks. An academic year usually consists usually of about 40 weeks (plus 12 weeks of holiday), so you should look at courses that are for 1 academic year or 120 credits (as there are very few or no courses that are actually for 30 weeks). This means you probably should look at diploma courses.
Kind regards,
Feija
hello sir,
tell me that if i study post graduate certificate in innovation level-8, course duration-6 months. how much post study work permit i m eligible for ?
i hope you will reply to my query
thanks
Hi Sanjeev,
If you complete the mentioned course, you are NOT eligible at all for a postgraduate visa. A course must be studied in NZ for at least 30 weeks.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I am a post graduate certificate Engineering level 8 student as my course is only for 6 months( which is 26 weeks ) And after that I do a short term course for 1 month will I be eligible for post study work visa?
Hi Amaan,
No, you need to study a single course for at least 30 weeks to qualify for a post-study work visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija, if I get pregnant when holding the 3-year open work visa. Can I get publicly-funded maternity health services in New Zealand? Thanks
Hi Mimir,
The website of the Ministry of Health says the following:
A person who holds a work visa that either:
– entitles them to remain in New Zealand for two years or more (work visas start on the person’s first day in New Zealand) OR
– entitles them to remain in New Zealand for a period of time which, together with the time that person has already been lawfully in New Zealand immediately prior to obtaining the visa, equals or exceeds two years
is eligible for publicly funded health and disability services (https://bit.ly/2CqggUp). Pregnancy services fall under publicly funded health care (https://bit.ly/2MGBAgP). As you have a 3-year work visa, you should be eligible for these services. Please check with the Ministry of Health to be sure.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
My wife is currently studying Graduate Diploma in Information Technology Level 7. Will my husband eligible for open work visa and my child eligible for domestic schooling or medical facilities as domestic while i study? Thanks
Hi Parminder,
For a partner to be able to apply for a work visa (and your child to be eligible for domestic tuition fees), your study must be in an area that is specified on the Long Term Skill Shortage List.
Kind regards,
Feija
I intend to study post graduate diploma in business enterprise level 8.is my spouse eligible to get a work visa along with me? Can he join wit me to New Zealand during my study period?
Hi Reena,
Only if your study is an area that is identified in the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL), you can support your husband’s application. As far as I’m aware Business Enterprise is not an area that is identified in the LTSSL.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I’m planning to enroll in graduate diploma in information technology (non-degree lv 7) next year. Will my partner be eligible for work visa while I study?
Regards,
Ricky
Hi Ricky,
A person may apply for and be granted a multiple entry work visa if their partner holds a student visa to study for a level 7 or 8 qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) in an area of absolute skill shortage as specified in the Long Term Skill Shortage List. Information TEchnology is an area that is specified on the Long Term Skill Shortage List at the moment, so yes, I would expect your partner to be eligible for a work visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am currently doing Post Graduate Diploma in Applied IT (level 8) course. My husband has applied for his visa in March second week, 2019, but has not got approval yet. I want to know if he will be getting a work visa at the time of my study and post-study.. He is a welding inspector. Also, kindly advise if welding inspector job comes in skill shortage list .
Regards
Divya
Hi Divya,
I can take up to 4 months at the moment before a partnership application is decided.
Welding Inspector is not on any skill shortage list, but Welder is on the Construction and Infrastructure skill shortage list (only for Canterbury region).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, Feija.
I’m going to study for a Graduate Diploma (Level 7) in IT.
I understand that you said it’s listed on LTSSL.
However, if we look closely, the qualification listed is Bachelor Degree or higher, with a minimum of 360 credits. A Level 7 course is only 120 credits.
So, does that mean a GradDip in IT is not on LTSSL?
I’m so confused, Feija.
Hopefully, you could shed some light on this. 🙂
Thanks in advance.
Hi Ocha,
I haven’t said the qualification was listed on the LTSSL. I said that the area of Information Technology is on the LTSSL.
The policy for a partner to be eligible for a work visa is: a person may apply for and be granted a multiple entry work visa if their partner holds a student visa to study for a level 7 or 8 qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) in an area of absolute skill shortage as specified in the Long Term Skill Shortage List.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi. Im currently studying level 7 grad diploma in tourism management feb 2019 intake in rotorua.Will I be able to get my spouse open work visa like mine and my children as dependent after I finish studying?
Hi Jeremy,
You can apply for a postgraduate work visa after you graduate. This will be valid for 2 years. Your wife and children can apply for dependent visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, I’m planning on studying post grad in business enterprise. Will my partner be eligible for work visa ? And post study work visa for both of us ?
Hi Heily,
Unless your course is a level 9 Master or a PhD, your partner will not be eligible for a work visa as your partner if you study Business Enterprise.
When you have graduated from your course and your course meets the postgraduate work visa requirements, you can apply for a postgraduate work visa and your husband should be eligible for a work visa as your partner.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there,
Currently I am doing my PG Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, course finishes in July 2019. And my husband has an open work visa which expires along with me. When I apply for An open work visa after completion of my course, what will be the status of visa of my husband, is he eligible to get his visa renewed as per the new immigration rules?
Hi Elizabeth,
Your husband is eligible for an open work visa when you hold a postgraduate open work visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I’m currently on a Employer assisted visa (which expires in April 2020) been working for this employer since over a year, what is the next visa I can/need to apply for ? Thanks
Hi,
Generally speaking, as I don’t know enough about your situation to give specific advice, if you need a visa based on an offer of employment (or current employment) you can apply for an Essential Skills work visa. If your employer is accredited and you meet the income threshold, you may be able to apply under Work to Residence.
If you meet the requirements to apply for a resident visa, this is an option too. However, as resident visas take a while to process, you’ll need to apply for a new temporary visa as well.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Team,
I am planning to go for post graduation diploma in business – information system level 8 course in NZ. My partner is eligible for work visa or not.
Currently I am in NZ .
Hi Sunny,
A level 8 postgraduate diploma entitles you to a 3-year open work visa after you graduate.
Your partner can apply for a work visa based on your relationship when you are studying a course in an area that is specified on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. Information Systems currently is specified on the LTSSL.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I have been offered a place for post graduation diploma in information Technology in a university for march 2018 intake. Am I entitled to 3 years post work visa and is my husband as my dependent entitled to work visa as before?
Hi Sharanya,
A level 8 postgraduate diploma entitles you to a 3-year open work visa after you graduate.
Your husband can apply for a work visa as your partner when you are studying a course in an area that is specified on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. Information Technology is currently specified on the LTSSL.
By the way, I don’t think a visa application will be decided before your course starts in March if you have not applied already. Immigration has quite a backlog when it comes to student visa applications.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
Currently I’m studying Postgraduate diploma in Applied Informatics (level 8).
My husband husband applied for spouse work visa and my daughter for dependent child visa on November 21st 2018.They didn’t get visa yet. Is my course applicable for the partners work visa?
Hi Anju,
Yes, your partner should be eligible for a work visa as your partner. The new instructions came into effect on 26 November 2018. As your husband applied before that the previous instructions should be applied.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi ,
Are you sure with PG diploma in IT, spouse can get work visa. Because on LTSSL , there is no post graduation (level 8) courses mention in the ICT category.
Hi Karthika,
The instructions specify the following:
a person may apply for and be granted a multiple entry work visa if their partner holds:
– a student visa to study for a level 7 or 8 qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) in an area of absolute skill shortage as specified in the Long Term Skill Shortage List (see Appendix 4); or
– a student visa to study for a level 9 or 10 qualification on the NZQF.
The Immigration New Zealand website says the following: If you are studying a level 9 or 10 qualification, or a level 7 or 8 qualification in an occupation on our Long Term Skill Shortage List….
Information Technology is an area that is specified on the Long Term Skill Shortage List, and although you never study for a specific occupation, the occupations listed under ICT are all possible with a postgraduate diploma in IT, so, yes, in my opinion, your husband should be able to get a work visa if you are studying a level 8 postgraduate diploma in IT. However, the final decision is with Immigration New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi already done the level 7 in business and use my open visa .if I want to do early childhood course then I will be eligible for the open work visa again or not.
Hi Meena,
You are only eligible for another post-study work visa if the course you complete is of a higher level then your first course and is at least a Bachelor Degree.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, I plan to study as post graduate diploma in Education or a Master of Education.
For both can my partner apply for a work visa and my child study as a domestic student?
How long can I get a post study work visa after either qualification?
Thank you!
Hi Farah,
If you study a Master of Education, your partner can apply for a work visa as your partner. With a postgraduate course, he cannot.
Your children cannot are not eligible for a domestic student visa as your dependent on either course. However, if your partner is eligible for a work visa, your children are eligible for a domestic student visa as his dependents.
A post-study work visa is 3-years for both courses (if the course is at least 30 weeks full-time AND studied in New Zealand).
Please be mindful that it is currently not possible to apply for a student visa (or another type of temporary visa) if you are outside of New Zealand. New Zealand’s borders are closed due to COVID. The situation will be reviewed in March 2021.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi , I currently studying level 5 in Rotorua. So I want to change my college after complete my level 5 and I take admission in Auckland for level 6 so can you tell me please for work permit duration how many year my work visa valid
Hi Jaspreet,
It depends a bit on when you started your course. If you held a student visa on 8 August 2018 (or your student visa application was accepted for processing on 8 August), you are eligible for a 3-year work visa after you complete your level 6 course. This only applies if both courses are at least 1 academic year (so you study 60 weeks or more in NZ).
If you got your student visa after 8 August (and your student visa application was accepted for processing after 8 August 2018), you are only eligible for a 1-year work visa because you study in Auckland. If you complete your level 6 course outside Auckland, you will qualify for a 2-year work visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
I have already finished a level 8 post graduate diploma and availed the open work visa in 2017-18. Currently in 2023 I am pursuing a masters from feb which is level 9 , after completion of this course will I be able to apply for a post study work visa open in 2024 ?
Hi Abishek,
Under
Apologies for the late reply.
No, you do not qualify for a post-study work visa after completing your Master Degree. The policy that is active since 11 May 2022 does not allow a post study work visa to be granted more than once. This is different from the policy active before 11 May 2022. The only exception is if you submitted your student visa application (to study your Master Degree) before 11 May 2022.
Kind regards,
Feija (IAA license 201300693)
Hi
I am planning to take admission in level 8 post graduate in information Technology. Is it possible for my partner to get open work permit while I am doing level 8 and after completing level how long I get open work visa.
Hi Jaspreet,
A level 8 postgraduate diploma entitles you to a 3-year open work visa after you graduate.
Your partner can apply for a work visa as your partner when you are studying a course in an area that is specified on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. Information Technology currently is specified on the LTSSL.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi ! I am planning to study cookery course( chef ) what type of visa will I be granted ? will I be eligible for open work visa ?? Can I take my spouse and children along with me ? Will my children be eligible for schooling in domestic rates ?
Hi Simran,
If you wish to study in New Zealand you need to apply for a student visa. Depending on the length of the course you may be granted work rights. If you get work rights than you can work up to 20 hours per week as a student. Cookery qualifications usually are level 4 or 5. If they are only 6 months or a year, you will not qualify for an open work visa after you graduate. If the course is 2 years (or you complete 2 1-year courses) then you will be able to apply for a 1 or 2 year open work visa after graduating.
Your partner is eligible for a visitor visa but your children would be considered international students.
For them to be considered as domestic students, the level of your course must be much higher. You need to study a Bachelor Degree or a Post-graduate degree in an area on the Long Term Skills Shortage List.
Kind regards,
Feija
Would existing postgraduate openwork visa holders need to pay additional fees for the additional 2 years open work visa post 26 November? please do advise.
Thanks.
M
Hi Maggie,
The exact policy details and procedures have not been announced yet, but as Immigration New Zealand hardly ever does anything for free, I suspect completing a form and paying a fee will be involved. I will more certain once Immigration releases the new policies and procedures.
kind regards,
Feija
I suppose to study Graduate Diploma in Construction Project Management can my spouse get open work visa and can my children to enter to primary school under domestic rates
Hi Sithara,
Your area of study is included in the Long Term Skill Shortage List, so yes, your partner should be able to get a work visa. If your partner is eligible for a work visa then your children will be eligible for domestic tuition fees.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi I chosen my course as post graduate diploma in logistics and supply chain management , will my partner get work visa?
Hi Sabariraj,
Your partner will not be able to get a work visa based on the course described in your question.
Kind regards,
Feija
What will happen if a woman become pregnant in student visa and her husband is a resident but he had given his residency already and found to b eligible only on 2022
Hi Angel,
I’m not sure I understand your question fully. But a child born in New Zealand where at least one of the parents is a New Zealand resident or citizen, will be a New Zealand citizen.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
What happens if a worker becomes pregnant while on 2 year employer assisted work visa?
The role is critical for the company so someone else will need to hired to do the job, in that case what happens to pregnant workers job/work visa?
Hi Afsana,
You are entitled to take paid parental leave (your employer has to apply for this to cover your wages) if you have worked for the employer for at least 6 months. They cannot refuse your request for parental leave but they may fill your position with someone on a fixed term contract or a contractor.
Your work visa will remain valid during the period of leave because you are still in employment.
Depending on the length of your work visa and how long you have been in New Zealand, you may or may not be eligible for publicly funded healthcare.
For more information on parental leave, please see https://www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/parental-leave/eligibility/#parentalleavecalc
For more information on publicly funded health care and maternity services see: https://www.health.govt.nz/new-zealand-health-system/eligibility-publicly-funded-health-services/guide-eligibility-publicly-funded-health-services?mega=NZ%20health%20system&title=Guide%20to%20eligibility
Kind regards,
Feija
Will a level 8 postgraduate diploma in teaching be regarded as a course in the the long term skills shortage list in New Zealand?
Hi Shanta,
No, not at the moment. The occupation of Teacher is not on the Long Term Skill Shortage List (it’s on the Regional Skill Shortage List, which is a different list).
Kind regards,
Feija
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