STUDENT VISA APPLICATION PROCESS
The application process, much like most countries, is online. The documents we need will include:

• An Immigration NZ application form and fee
• Proof of your identity
• Your study plan (In some countries INZ has a template to use)
• Evidence of sufficient funds
• Your Offer of Place and Fees Statement

Post-study work rights

Changes have been made to post-study work visa settings, which will apply to any student visa applications received on or after 11 May 2022 not covered by transitional arrangements, including student visa applications from people in New Zealand:

• Students will continue to be eligible for post-study work rights if they are studying a bachelor’s degree, bachelor honours degree, postgraduate diploma, master’s or doctoral degree that they have studied full time in New Zealand for a minimum of 30 weeks. For, students undertaking a qualification at Level 7 and below (excluding bachelor’s degrees), they will only be eligible for post-study work rights if the qualification is relevant to an occupation on the Green List. This includes Graduate Diplomas and Diplomas at level 7
• Post study work rights for non-degree students who have studied for Green List relevant qualifications will only allow the migrant to work in that occupation, though they can switch employers and work for less than the median wage.
• There are 20 roles on the Green List that have direct pathways from Level 7 and below level qualifications. These include: Construction Project Manager; Project Builder; 12 specific engineering roles; Civil Engineering Technician; Electrical Engineering Technician; Secondary School teacher; Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher; Automotive Electrician; Diesel Motor Mechanic.
• This change aims to align post-study work rights for non-degree study with skills New Zealand needs. It also addresses some unsustainable post-study working trends seen pre-COVID.
• For most international students eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa, the duration of that work visa will now mirror the time they study in New Zealand, up to a maximum of three years. This change will not apply to Master’s and PhD students, who will continue to receive three years’ post-study work rights, as long as they have spent 30 weeks in New Zealand undertaking full-time study. This change is about proportionality but also recognises the value to students and employers of experiencing New Zealand education in context.
• International students will no longer be able to apply for a second post-study work visa. This is to reduce the length of time that someone can be working in New Zealand without applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa, where the employer must first check if a New Zealander is available to do the job.
• Students who have already commenced studying an eligible qualification under current settings, and who have applied for a visa or holds a visa for that specific study, will be considered under the ‘old’ post-study rules. This includes students who enter New Zealand under the latest border exception for 5,000 students, as long as they meet the educational requirements under the current settings. Students who have started a qualification offshore and who apply for a visa from 11 May will be considered under the new rules.
• No changes have been made to in-study work rights for international students which remain an important part of a New Zealand education for some international students and mitigates some of their exploitation risks.

Living costs

From 31 July 2022, fund requirements will increase:

• From $15,000 to $20,000 per annum for prospective tertiary student visa applicants and to $17,000 for prospective international school students. These amounts will be prorated for shorter lengths of study.
• With the exception of some aviation students, students will need to pay tuition fees for the first year, or first programme of study (whichever is the shorter), and they will have to prove funds for the same period.
• Students transitioning to a post-study work visas from 11 May will need to show funds of $5,000.
• The funds requirements will be reviewed every three years to ensure that students continue to have reasonable expectations about the cost of living in NZ.