post study work visa Archives

According to the immigration policy of 2018, a three-year post study open work visa is to be granted to students depending on their level of qualification. Under this policy, there is no requirement for an employment/job offer letter.

Under the same criteria, many students applied for a three-year work visa. Then a policy favouring more “skilled” students came into effect in November 2020.

Students were happy and waiting for the final call from the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) office. However, immigration officers misinterpreted the policy and granted only a one-year visa to such students.

Two students filed a complaint regarding the same because they had visas on August 8, 2018 and met the criteria to receive the three-year open work visas but were instead given a one-year visa.

Both students’ complaints were investigated together by the ombudsman chief as they were made on the same basis and it was concluded that NZ Visa officers had not followed the actual policy.

Subsequently, INZ said it had amended its guidance to officers to accurately reflect the Cabinet’s intention and extended both complainants’ visas for a further two years.

At the time of the ombudsman’s investigation, Immigration NZ identified about 500 more people in a similar situation as the two complainants who may have been given shorter visas than they were eligible for.

Immigration NZ border and visa operations head Nicola Hogg while discussing the issues with one of the media houses stated that after looking at the matter more closely, it had reduced this number to 265 that may have been wrongly given shorter post-study work visas.

She further said that after the department was notified of the first complaint made to the Office of the Ombudsman in June 2020, “immigration instructions were amended to reflect that only those studying an eligible qualification would be granted a two-year or three-year post-study work visa and a public clarification was issued”.

INZ is in the process of identifying and rectifying the visa validity issue.

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Parents and students worldwide are looking at options where the inability to travel can be overcome while the borders are closed. The pandemic has taught the world all the possible new ways of survival.

The education industry has responded by tapping into the vast potential of online learning while most of the world’s students have barriers to their physical mobility. The virtual mobility has emerged as a means by which those unable to move physically across borders can enjoy some of the qualities and benefits of international education.

International student education was always important, but now it is getting transformed. While the short-term picture is not very encouraging, the long-term picture is healthier.

New Zealand education providers have been at the forefront of this transformation, and “Studying in New Zealand – Online“ is increasingly becoming popular. Getting a degree from world ranked universities of New Zealand is a dream of many young students, which is now within reach. It also comes with benefits that have are being highlighted here to motivate you further.

Is it affordable and doable?

Studying abroad used to be an expensive affair till the pandemic. Now, students who want to start online can pay tuition fees per paper vis-a-vis earlier, where they had to pay yearly. They also save on living costs. For deserving students, scholarships are also available.

The students can start the course online, and when borders open, transition into face to face classes after visa approval. The learning processes aren’t rigid anymore in the online format; teaching lessons and completing assignments are all flexible.

The benefits are innumerable, and students also get to know the NZ learning environment sitting in the comfort of their own home.

What if the border closure persists?

The efforts and emotions put into completing the degree don’t go in vain, even if the borders remain closed for a more extended period than expected.

A student who is enrolled in a master’s program has an option to complete a few papers online at their own pace and convenience, take a break after that and complete remaining papers on-campus after the border opens.

Post-study work visa eligibility

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has stipulated that students who commence their studies online from overseas and then transfer to study on campus in New Zealand at a later date are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa. However, they must still complete 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand. We at Immigration Advisers New Zealand factor this into our counselling and immigration advice to you.

Commencing your study offshore online does not guarantee that you will be granted a student visa. You must still meet the normal immigration requirements of a student visa application (such as funds, health and character requirements). However, you stand your best chance by going through us at Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd.

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INZ Evaluates Hundreds Of Visa Applications Mistakenly Cut Down