China News Service, September 8. According to a comprehensive report by the New Zealand Chinese Herald Network, on September 7, the Minister of Immigration of New Zealand announced that the latest post-graduation work permit policy was officially confirmed and took effect immediately.
First, students taking non-degree programmes at Level 7 or below, the policy on post-graduation work rights has been confirmed: if their major is on the "Post-Graduation Work Visa Eligibility List", a post-graduation work permit can be obtained.
This list is related to the previously announced "green list".
Such students must work in specific occupations after graduation, but can change employers and do not have to earn the median salary.
There are 20 positions on the Green List that can be filled after taking courses at Level 7 and below.
These positions include: Construction Project Manager, Project Builder; 12 specific engineering positions; Civil Engineering Technician; Electrical Engineering Technician, Secondary School Teacher, Early Childhood (Pre-primary) Teacher, Automotive Electrician, Diesel Engine Technician.
"Linking the work rights of non-degree graduates to 'green list' occupations can help fill New Zealand's skills needs," the Immigration Minister said.
Masters and PhD students will be able to go on to obtain a three-year post-study work permit after graduation, provided they have completed 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand.
In addition, all other students who can obtain post-study work visas will be valid for the same period of time they have studied in New Zealand, up to a maximum of three years.
Also, international students pursuing a double degree cannot apply for a second post-study work permit, but if they have completed two consecutive degrees at a bachelor's or above, they may be eligible for a longer-term visa.
The partner will also be eligible for an Open Work Permit if the student is pursuing a Masters/PhD degree, or a level 7/level 8 degree programme specified on the Green List/Post-Graduation Work Visa Eligibility List.
"The new changes are part of an immigration rebalancing plan announced in May to ensure international students understand further work and residency pathways as early as possible after they graduate in New Zealand," the Immigration Minister said.
"New Zealand welcomes students who choose New Zealand for the quality of their education, lifestyle and international experience. Some of these students will make their home in New Zealand and contribute to our economy in the long run."
"Overall, these changes ensure that students who choose to stay in New Zealand can fill skills shortages and bring value to New Zealand. It also supports the government's economic plan to boost productivity and wages, making it easier to attract and hire highly skilled migrants, to fill the global workforce gap.”
The new rules take effect on September 7.