Post Study Work Permit in New Zealand for Indian Students
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All international students who have graduated from New Zealand with a valid qualification can apply for a post-study work visa (PSW). It is a visa of varying lengths that lets international students work for any employer in New Zealand. If you manage to find a job that is relevant to your stream of course then you can have your work visa extended for two years.
New Zealand has over the years become one of the preferred study-abroad destinations for Indians and International students alike. The country has registered positive student footfall into the country, especially for top-ranking universities in New Zealand. Today student-friendly policies such as post-study work permits, part-time work options, easy admissions, and a friendly environment have made students seriously consider New Zealand as their study abroad destination.
Check: How to get PR in New Zealand after studying?
Latest Updates:
The duration of Post-Study work visa in New Zealand is increased. Now an international student can stay up to 3 years in New Zealand after completing their studies to explore job opportunities in NZ. However it is mandatory that they fulfill other eligibility criteria required for PSW visa of NZ.
Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa in New Zealand
International applicants who have completed their education in New Zealand universities are eligible to apply for a PSW in New Zealand. The applicants are eligible to stay back for 3 years based on the length of their study in New Zealand. PSW visa in New Zealand is offered only once to a given applicant. These visa applications are assessed within 38 weekdays and 90% of the applicants are offered a PSW within this time period. The cost of applying for this visa starts from NZD 700 which is INR 33,955.
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Who Can Apply for a Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?
You must apply for the PSW visa within three months of the end date of the New Zealand student visa. PhD students are allowed to apply up to six months after the end date of the student visa. To apply for the PSW visa of New Zealand, you must have successfully completed a degree qualification that would gain points under the ‘New Zealand Immigration Skilled Migrant Category. Also, your qualifications must be either Level 4 or higher than that based on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).
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Post-Study Work Visa Rules for New Zealand
With effect from 2018, the Government of New Zealand following a public consultation has ushered in changes to immigration policies that impact post-study work rights for international students. Read on to understand what they are and how they are going to affect you. Here for the benefit of our readers, we have provided the earlier version of the rule and how it has been changed for the students currently pursuing their course.
Level 4 to 6 and non-degree Level 7 qualifications:
- Earlier: Prior to the changes, students who studied for 24 months were entitled to a one-year open work visa and then a two-year employer-assisted work visa.
- After Change: Now, a two-year employer-assisted work visa has been removed and a one-year open work visa is retained. However, those who pursue their education outside Auckland can get a two-year open work visa.
Bachelor-level qualifications:
- Earlier: After 12 months of study students were entitled to a one-year open work visa and a two-year employer-assisted work visa.
- After Change: One-year open and two-year employer-assisted visa is replaced with a three-year open work visa.
Post-graduate level qualifications:
- Earlier: After pursuing 12 months of study, students were entitled to a one-year open work visa and after that, a two-year employer-assisted work visa.
- After Change: One-year open and two-year employer-assisted visa is replaced with a three-year open work visa.
These visa rules are applicable to those who hold a student visa or whose student visa application has been accepted by Immigration New Zealand:
| Level of study |
Duration of course |
Eligibility of visa |
|---|---|---|
| Level 7 Bachelor’s degree or above |
At least 30 weeks in New Zealand |
Three-year open work visa |
| Non-degree Level 7 qualification |
At least 30 weeks in New Zealand |
Three-year open work visa |
| One qualification at Level 4-6 |
At least 60 weeks in New Zealand |
Three-year open work visa |
| Two qualifications at Levels 4-6 |
Study 60 weeks in total, 30 weeks for each qualification. The second qualification is higher than the first level. |
Three-year open work visa |
Temporary work visas in New Zealand have been suspended since 2020 when COVID-19 hit the globe. New Zealand is only allowing those people to come and workers who come from a quarantine-free zone and also from a safe zone but a mandatory negative report before departure to New Zealand is required upon arrival.
To know more go to, Changes in Post-Study Work Rights for International Students in New Zealand
Qualifications to Apply for New Zealand PSW Visa
Some of the jobs have been proposed for obtaining a post-study work visa in New Zealand after graduating from New Zealand universities, The following are the jobs and their corresponding qualifications required for applying for this visa:
| Qualifications for PSW Visa in New Zealand | Focus Areas of Functioning | Related Jobs of Function |
|---|---|---|
| A Graduate Diploma at NZQF Level 7 | Highway engineering or civil engineering | Construction Project Manager |
| A Graduate Diploma at NZQF Level 7 | Construction management or construction project management | Construction Project Manager or Project Builder |
| A Graduate Diploma at NZQF Level 7 | Construction | Project Builder |
| A Graduate Diploma in Construction at NZQF Level 7 | Quantity Surveying | Quantity Surveyor |
| A Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying at NZQF Level 7 | n/a | Quantity Surveyor |
| Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) or comparable qualification acceptable to the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand for registration. and if the applicant meets all the Council’s other requirements for teacher registration and certification |
Early Childhood Teacher | |
| A qualification at NZQF Level 7, with letter from Engineering New Zealand certifying the qualification and any further learning meet the benchmark requirements towards Chartered Professional Engineer professional status in New Zealand. | Engineer or Civil, Electrical, or Electronic Engineering Technician | |
| A Diploma at NZQF Level 6 or higher a minimum of 240 credits | Highway engineering, construction or construction management | Construction Project Manager or Project Builder |
| A Diploma at NZQF Level 6 or higher a minimum of 240 credits | Civil engineering | Construction Project Manager or Civil Engineering Technician |
| NZ Diploma in Engineering (Level 6 or higher) with Civil Engineering subjects of 240 credits | n/a | Construction Project Manager or Civil Engineering Technician |
| NZ Diploma in Civil Engineering (Building & Construction) Level 7 | Civil Engineering Technician | |
| NZ Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) Level 6 or higher | Quantity Surveyor or Project Builder | |
| NZ Diploma in Construction (Level 6 or higher) with Quantity Surveying subjects of 240 credits | Quantity Surveyor or Project Builder | |
| NZ Diploma in Construction (Level 6 or higher) with Construction Economics, Construction Management or Building related subjects of 240 credits | Project Builder | |
| NZ Diploma in Engineering (Level 6 or higher) with Electrical Engineering of 240 credits | Telecommunications, Telecommunications Network Engineer or Electrical Engineering Technician | |
| NZ Diploma in Engineering (Level 6 or higher) with Electronics Engineering of 240 credits | Electronic Engineering Technician | |
| NZ Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Level 7) | Electrical Engineering Technician | |
| NZ Diploma at NZQF Level 5 or higher | Farm management, agriculture or dairy technology | Dairy Cattle Farmer |
| A certificate at NZQF Level 4 or higher | New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering (NZQF Level 4) | Automotive Electrician |
| A certificate at NZQF Level 4 or higher | New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (NZQF Level 4) | Diesel Motor Mechanic |
| A certificate at NZQF Level 4 or higher | Dairy Farming or Livestock Farming strands of the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Level 4) | Dairy Cattle Farmer |
| New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering (Level 4) | n/a | Automotive Electrician |
| New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (NZQF Level 4) | Diesel Motor Mechanic | |
| New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Level 4) with Dairy Farming or Livestock Farming related subjects | Dairy Cattle Farmer |
There can be more jobs related to get a post-study work visa for New Zealand after graduation. Students can check them out before applying for a post-study work permit in New Zealand with a job in hand. The above-given data is for those who have applied for the post-study work visa in New Zealand on or after May 12, 2022.
How to apply for a post-study work visa in New Zealand?
You can choose to apply through the INZ online application portal, Immigration Online, or through the print form INZ1015. You will need the following documents and bank balance before applying:
- Work Visa application form INZ1015
- Evidence that you have completed your qualification
- Bank statement showing a balance of a minimum NZD 5,000
- Three months' bank statement
- Passport
- Two recent passport-size photographs
Read: New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time
Post-study Work Visa Duration in New Zealand
The duration of a post-study work visa in New Zealand depends upon the applicant's area and level of study. Area wise there are three major distinctions which are beneficial factors in deciding the post-study work visa duration in New Zealand:
Applicants who Studied in Auckland
Students who have completed their higher studies in Auckland can work for the following years:
- Applicants with a 3 years bachelor's degree and those who have achieved Level of 7, then he/she is eligible to apply for a post-study work visa for 3 years.
- The Level 7 Graduate Diploma holders can apply for a 1-year post-study work visa.
- Levels 4-6 qualified applicants can apply for a 1-year post-study work visa.
- Applicants are eligible to apply for 1 year extra for a post-study work visa only if they are into occupational registration and are authorised.
Applicants Studied Outside of Auckland
Those applicants who have completed their studies before December 31, 2021, are eligible for a 2-3 year duration post-study work visa in New Zealand. Those who complete their qualifications after December 31, 2021, may be eligible for a 1-year post-study work visa. The following conditions are proposed by the New Zealand Immigration Department:
Level 7 Qualification or Higher
Level 7 bachelor's degree holders can apply for a post-study work visa for 3 years duration. Graduate diploma holders who fulfil either of the following conditions are eligible for getting a post-study work visa:
- A 2-year work visa can be availed by those who complete their degree on or before December 31, 2021. Or
- Those completing their degrees after December 31, 2021, can apply for a 1-year work visa only.
Level 4-6 Qualification Holders
Applicants who hold either of the Level 4 or 5 or 6 qualifications can apply if:
- A 2-year work visa if the degree completes on or before December 31, 2021. Or
- The applicant will be eligible for a 1-year work visa if they complete their degree after December 31, 2021.
Applicants Studied Off-Campus
Students who complete their degree in the distance mode or off-campus are eligible for a work visa in New Zealand which is the same as for those who studied in Auckland. The duration of the visa would also be the same depending upon the applicant's qualification level.
Related Articles:
| Part-time work options in New Zealand for international students |
|
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Post Study Work Permit in New Zealand FAQs
Q. What is the minimum duration of any post-study work visa in New Zealand?
A. Full-time international students who are above 18 years can apply for a student visa which can be useful for working for a minimum of 4 years. The minimum duration varies between 6 months to 4 years. Recnetly the post study work visa in New Zealand has been extended for another three years starting from November 2023. Thus, applicants who have Level 7 qualification can get a three years work visa in New Zealand.
Q. What is the variation of conditions in New Zealand?
A. Variation of conditions in New Zealand if a person wishes to study for 3 years or more in part-time. Or a condition where the already existing visa is not applicable to the current scenario, in this case either the applicant needs to request for a new visa or the applicant must alter his/her conditions in order fit in the current visa condition. All these are different definitions of variation of conditions in New Zealand.
Q. How are visa applications for employer-assisted accepted in New Zealand?
A. An employer-assisted post-study work visa is accepted before 26 November and the concerned applicant can only then choose to either take the job or leave it. However, applicants must ensure that they apply for the visa well in time and inform their employers too. This way both the applicant and employer will be informed and limited time will be taken to accept the visa for post study work in New Zealand.
Q. How is the employer changed on a post-study work visa in New Zealand?
A. Any applicant who wishes to change his/her employer can only do so if he/she holds an Essentials Work Visa in New Zealand. Holding this visa can help the applicant in changing his/her employer or job only if they don't fall in the list of skill shortages. An application to the Visa Office of New Zealand based on where they stay and apply for this change in a timely manner before the current visa expires for the previous employer.
Q. What all documents are required in the application to modify a job or employer in New Zealand?
A. In New Zealand, work visa holders can modify their job or employer by submitting an application with documents like -
- Employment offer
- Employer agreement
- INZ 1113 completed by the new employer
- Cover letter if a notice period needs to be served
Apart from this the personal identification information documents must also be carried at all times.
Q. Why are visa conditions followed strictly in New Zealand?
A. Visa conditions in New Zealand for post-study work visa holders is nothing but a legal document which states the details of the work visa the applicant holds like date of entry and exit in New Zealand, type of work visa held, etc. Thus, visa conditions are followed strictly in New Zealand, also because recently a surge in immigrants has also been witnessed.
Q. Is it mandatory to be fully vaccinated before travelling to NZ for work?
A. Yes, international students who come to New Zealand for post-study work have to be fully vaccinated only then can their visa be approved. Applicants must have proof of their vaccination dose and also if there is any follow up dose required after being fully vaccinated in the country of origin.
Q: Is New Zealand good for Indian students?
With a good educational system, excellent quality of life, and a number of research opportunities, New Zealand offers a lot to international students. Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand has a 39 percent population of overseas citizens, making it a culturally diverse city. Moreover, the post-study work visa in New Zealand can offer up to three years of stay back. As per Stats New Zealand, its unemployment rate is 3.4 percent. Students enrolled in a course of 12 months or more can also work part-time in New Zealand for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and holidays.
Q: Which course is better, Master in Management or Master in Project Management at the University of Auckland, New Zealand?
The University of Auckland offers the best UG and PG programs for international students at an affordable tuition fees. Auckland Unversity Master in Project Management is slightly better than the Master in Management because of its tuition fees for first year. Mentioned below is the tuition fees for first-year for international students:
| Program | First Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Master in Project Management | INR 25.11 L |
| Master in Management | INR 26.11 L |
Q: How much funds are needed for a New Zealand study visa?
International students need to show sufficient funds for getting a New Zealand student visa. Students need to show NZ$ 20,000 for a full year of study or NZ$ 1,250 per month for getting a New Zealand study visa.
Cost of New Zealand Student Visa Application
- New Zealand Visa Cost: Students who are submitting their Student Visa Application online are required to pay a base Visa fee of NZD 375 which is INR 19,200 (approximately).
- Candidates who are applying for their Student Visa online from New Delhi are required to pay NZD 430 which is INR 22,000 (approximately) as the receiving centre fees.
- Those applying for a student visa in New Zealand on paper (offline mode) should note that the immigration costs would be INR 22,600, in addition to this students are required to pay a receiving Centre fee of INR 1,520.
Q: What is the cost of studying in New Zealand?
The tuition fees that a student would need to pay will depend on the type of qualification and the university they are looking at to pursue their education. While courses such as humanities, education, and arts are likely to cost less pursuing subjects such as medicine and engineering costs on the higher side.
The below table sheds light on the tuition fee charged level-wise in New Zealand from international students applying to their universities:
Study Program Level | Annual Costs in NZD |
|---|---|
Diploma or Certificate courses | NZD 23,000 - NZD 47,000 |
English Language courses | NZD 350 (per week) |
Undergraduate degree | NZD 22,000 - NZD 32,000 |
Master's degree | NZD 26,000 - NZD 37,000 |
Doctoral degree | NZD 6,500 - NZD 9,000 |
Q: Is living in New Zealand expensive?
The cost of living does not includes only the tuition fee but also other expenses like textbooks, NON-tuition fee, accommodation cost and other personal expenses. The moment a student lands in New Zealand, they need to pay $35 international visitor and tourism conservation levy. The living cost can vary as per the accommodation option, location and personal spending habits.
In addition to your tuition and insurance fees, you will need between $20,000 and $25,000 per year ($380–480 per week) for accommodation/rent, food expenses, transportation costs, phone bills, internet usage and entertainment.
Q: Is New Zealand good for international students to study?
New Zealand is one of the top destinations for international students going abroad for higher education. All of eight universities in New Zealand are ranked among the top 3% universities in the world. New Zealand education sets up students with a globally recognised qualification and real-world skills. Each year thousands of students from India apply for various universities in the New Zealand. As per Govt. of India, there are more than 2,500 Indian students that went to study in 2022 in various universities in New Zealand.
Q: How do I get a study visa for New Zealand?
Each year, thousands of students from all over the world come to New Zealand to pursue higher education. International students can apply for a study visa to the New Zealand in 4 different ways; Online, offline, through an immigration advisor or at a visa center. An overseas student may have to furnish the following:
- Name of the course you are allowed to study;
- Name of education provider;
- Must hold an acceptable insurance;
- Valid passport;
- Completed student visa application form; and
- 2 passport sized photographs.
Q: How much does it cost to get a study visa in New Zealand?
After submitting their student visa application, international students are required to pay a base visa fee of NZD 375 (INR 18 K). However, candidates who are applying for their student visa online from New Delhi as their receiving center are required to pay NZD 430 (INR 20.6 K) as a visa application fee. International students, including Indian students are advised to check the official immigration website of New Zealand to know the current and exact visa application fees.
Conversion Rate: 1 NZD = INR 48.13
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2 years ago
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Hello Ajith! Yes, your wife can travel with you on a dependent visa. You can find more details about Student's Spouse Visa in New Zealand at https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/student-spouse-visa-for-new-zealand-applycontent5767 for requirements and application process. All the best!
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2 years ago
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Hello Poonam, yes your husband would be able to work in New Zealand if he accompanies you, while you are on your student visa. He will also be allowed to work in New Zealand on a full-time basis. You can also check our dedicated page for more details - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/student-spouse
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