Post Study Work Visa New Zealand

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Changes to the Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) – November 2024 🇳🇿

Recent changes to New Zealand’s Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) regulations aim to provide more flexibility for students completing qualifications. Specifically, students who finish a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) and then progress directly into a Master’s degree will now remain eligible for the PSWV based on their PGDip, even if they haven’t been enrolled in the Master’s degree for the required duration.

Key Changes:

  1. Eligibility for PSWV after PGDip and Master’s Degree:
    If a student completes a 30-week PGDip and immediately continues with a Master’s, they can apply for the PSWV based on their PGDip, even if the Master’s degree does not meet the full duration requirement. This allows students more flexibility and ensures they can still work in New Zealand after completing their qualifications.

  2. 12-Month Window to Apply:
    Students who complete a qualification eligible for a PSWV, and then move on to a higher-level qualification (which may not meet the duration requirements for PSWV), will have 12 months from the end of their student visa to apply for the PSWV based on their initial qualification.

  3. Requirements for a 3-Year PSWV:
    To qualify for the 3-year PSWV, students must complete at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand within the Master’s degree program itself.

New Changes to Eligible Qualifications:

  • Students qualifying to teach secondary school no longer need a Bachelor’s degree specializing in Science, Mathematics, Technology, or Pacific Languages.
  • Students with graduate diplomas who meet the Teaching Council’s registration requirements can now apply for a PSWV to work as Primary or Intermediate school teachers.
  • The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) with a specialization in Mechanical Engineering has been added to the list of eligible qualifications for PSWV applicants aiming to work as Mechanical Engineering Technicians.

These changes help align the Post-Study Work Visa with the Green List and ensure that more students can benefit from post-graduation work opportunities in New Zealand. Let us help guide you through the application process!