New Zealand has introduced transformative updates to its Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) policy, creating better pathways for international graduates to join the workforce. These changes address eligibility gaps and offer increased flexibility for students pursuing advanced qualifications.
In June this year, the country announced that individuals who hold Accredited Employer Work Visas will not be allowed to support work or student visa applications for their partners or dependent children. The rule clarified that people working in levels 4 and 5 of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) with no way to obtain residency will not be permitted to support work, visitor or student visa applications for their partners and dependent offspring.
Now, the new rules allow graduates moving from a postgraduate diploma to a master’s degree to apply for a PSWV based on their postgraduate diploma. This is applicable if they complete at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand. It offers a lifeline to students who may not have met the minimum study duration for their master’s degree but wish to stay eligible for work opportunities.
Students who complete an eligible qualification and are pursuing a higher-level degree that doesn’t meet PSWV requirements now have an additional option. They can apply for a PSWV within 12 months of their initial qualification’s visa expiration, ensuring uninterrupted access to work opportunities.
To secure a three-year PSWV, students must complete at least 30 weeks of full-time study in their final program. This policy ensures that graduates with substantial study commitments benefit from extended work opportunities.
The government has also broadened the range of qualifications eligible for the PSWV to address workforce demands. Secondary school teachers no longer need a bachelor’s degree in science, mathematics, technology, or Pacific languages to qualify. Graduate diploma holders who meet teaching registration requirements can now teach at primary and intermediate levels, opening up new opportunities in education.
Mechanical engineering technicians have also been included in the updated policy. Graduates holding a New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) are now eligible for a PSWV, aligning their skills with industry needs.
