Latest News

“New Zealand’s work environment here is fair and welcoming. In the 2019 migrant survey prepared by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment in 2021, 94 percent of working recent migrants said they had a written employment agreement, and 86 percent said they felt their employer was treating them fairly. The most common information/support provided by employers to recent migrants was related to health and safety (77%), welcoming them to the workplace (75%) and their employment rights and obligations (68%). A fifth had received support from their employer on improving their English skills (22%) or helping them or their partner to settle in New Zealand (23%).

Now that you have completed your study course, you may be wondering what to do next. Different people, different goals. While some may decide to study further, others think of getting a job, internship, travel, or even start their own business. There are so many options, so much to do. If you are confused, these options will help you decide.

Explore with PSWV

The most common reason for studying in New Zealand is to eventually gain employment. If you wish to work right after successfully completing your approved study course, you have to apply for the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV).

Benefits:

• This is an open work visa
• A job offer or a sponsor in hand is not mandatory
• You can work anywhere and for any employer in New Zealand
• Positively affects your future residency application
• Enhances your professional CV.

Key Highlights:

• The duration of this visa can be 1 to 3 years
• Your Post-Study work visa application should be lodged no later than three months after the end date of your student visa.
• If the qualification was a Doctoral Degree, apply no later than six months after the end date of your student visa.

Studying further

You might also think of going for another full-time course right after completing your current study programme. For example, if you have currently completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Management, you might think of studying further for another six months to complete the Masters of Applied Management. Well, that’s possible. However, you will be eligible to apply for a Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) only once for three years. Immigration New Zealand allows you to apply for a second Post Study Work visa on meeting the requirements prescribed in their policies. It’s better to consult a Licensed Immigration Advisor before planning a second study course after being on a Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) once already. It’s also advisable to get your points for residency evaluated by them to know exactly where you currently stand and how to plan well for the future. You can study up to three consecutive programmes over five years on a single Pathway Student Visa.

Maximizing the benefits 

You’ll see many are unable to gain residency even after gaining a qualification and work experience here. Why is that so? What was lacking? The study-to-work and work-to-residency routes are not that straightforward. The points needed to apply for residency are 160 points. The study course completed and your jobs should be able to add up to your points in the eligibility calculator. You never know – you might as well be eligible to apply for residency soon after completing your course as well.

Goal for Residency

If your goal is residency, we advise you to consult a Licensed Immigration Advisor even before choosing what to study. They will map out a plan which will help you to achieve your goal. Choosing a trusted advisor with a strong local presence in New Zealand has added advantages. You will get easy and better access to local communities and networks. Networking is very essential when you are living abroad.

In case, if you do not wish to extend your stay in New Zealand after completing your course, you will most likely consider returning to your home country. Unforeseen circumstances might compel you to take this decision. But, don’t think you are losing out on everything. You are now armed with a globally recognized qualification and invaluable international work experience.