From 18 November 2024, the eligibility criteria for New Zealand’s Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) have been expanded to benefit a broader range of international students. These changes include:
More qualifications now eligible for PSWV to align with the Green List.
Flexibility for students pursuing consecutive qualifications, even if the second qualification doesn’t meet PSWV requirements.
Key Changes
Consecutive Qualifications
Students who complete a qualification eligible for a PSWV and then immediately pursue a higher-level qualification that doesn’t meet PSWV criteria can still qualify based on their initial qualification.
They must apply for the PSWV within 12 months of the expiry date of their initial student visa.
For instance, students who complete a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in 30 weeks and proceed directly to a Master’s degree can apply for a PSWV within the 12-month window following the PGDip visa’s expiry.
This flexibility ensures students have more options in structuring their studies while maintaining their work rights after graduation.
Added Qualifications
The list of qualifications eligible for PSWV has been updated to better reflect the Green List priorities, benefiting students pursuing roles such as:
Mechanical Engineering Technicians – now eligible with the addition of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) with a strand in Mechanical Engineering.
Primary and Intermediate School Teachers – graduate diploma holders who meet the Teaching Council’s registration requirements are now eligible.
Secondary School Teachers – no longer restricted to a Bachelor’s degree specialising in Science, Mathematics, Technology, or Pacific Languages.
Eligibility Highlights
To qualify for a PSWV, students must:
Hold an eligible New Zealand qualification studied full-time in New Zealand for the required duration.
Apply within the required timeframe—typically 12 months from the expiry of their initial student visa.
Complete at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand for a 3-year PSWV when pursuing qualifications like a Master’s degree.
These changes provide more opportunities for graduates to contribute to New Zealand’s workforce, particularly in high-demand sectors.
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