By RNZ.vo.nz and is republished with permission
New Zealand will introduce a new work visa for international graduates and expand post-study work rights for some diploma holders later this year.
The new visa is part of an effort to attract and retain international graduates with valuable skills.
The changes, announced by Immigration New Zealand on Thursday, include a Short Term Graduate Work Visa that will give eligible graduates up to six months of open work rights to find a job after finishing their studies.
Those who move into suitable employment may then be able to transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
The visa will apply to students who complete qualifications at NZQCF Levels 5 to 7 after at least 24 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand. It will not cover English language, foundation or bridging qualifications.
Immigration New Zealand said holders of the visa must work for an employer under an employment agreement or a contract for services, and would not be allowed to operate a business.
They would also be barred from supporting a partner for a work visa or children for a Dependent Child Student Visa, the agency said.
Alongside the new visa, the government is widening eligibility for the Post Study Work Visa.
From late this year, students who complete a full-time graduate diploma at NZQCF Level 7 in New Zealand will be eligible for the visa, provided they also held a bachelor’s degree earned in New Zealand or overseas.
The Post Study Work Visa may be granted for up to one year, depending on how long the student spent studying for the graduate diploma in New Zealand.
The visa also carries broader family sponsorship rights, allowing holders to support partners and dependent children for visitor, work or dependent child student visas, provided relevant conditions are met.
