INZ has just announced some significant changes to the rules around post-study work visas. The changes apply to anyone who has applied for a student visa after 11 May 2022.
The changes make it more difficult to obtain a post-study work visa. The conditions and duration of post-study work visas are now also less favourable. The table below shows the main changes:
| Qualification type | Previous policy | New policy |
| Eligibility for a post-study work visa | ||
| Level 4-6 qualifications | Qualifications studied for at least 60 weeks full-time in New Zealand were eligible for an open post-study work visa | Only qualifications on the ‘Qualifications Eligible for a Post Study Work Visa list’ can be granted a post-study work visa. The complete qualification must be studied in New Zealand. |
| Level 7 qualifications | Qualifications studied for at least 30 weeks full-time in New Zealand were eligible for an open post-study work visa | Only non-Bachelor qualifications on the ‘Qualifications Eligible for a Post Study Work Visa list’ can be granted a post-study work visa. |
| Post-study work visa conditions | ||
| Non-bachelor Level 7 qualifications and below | All post-study work visas had open work conditions | Eligible qualifications may be granted a post-study work visa with conditions that mean the visa holder can only work in an occupation related to the qualification. |
| Level 7 Bachelor and Level 8-10 qualifications | Qualifications studied for at least 30 weeks full-time in New Zealand are eligible for post-study work visas with open work conditions. | |
| Post-study work visa duration | ||
| Non-Bachelor Level 7 qualifications and below | 1 year (if studied in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks full-time) | The duration that the student spent studying the qualification in New Zealand. |
| Level 7 Bachelor or Level 8 qualifications | 3 years (if studied in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks full-time) | The duration the student spent studying in New Zealand (if studied in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks full-time) |
| Level 9 or 10 qualifications | 3 years (if studied in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks full-time) | |
| Second post-study work visa requirements | ||
| Non-Bachelor Level 7 qualifications and below | No second post-study work visa is possible | No second post-study work visas are possible |
| Level 7 Bachelor qualification or higher (if higher than the first qualification studied) | A second post-study work visa is available if the second qualification was studied in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks | |
Please contact us if you want more information about your eligibility for post-study work visas, or if you require assistance with any visa applications.
Jim Ennion
Licensed Immigration Adviser