Post Study Work Permit in New Zealand for Indian Students (Updated)

The New Zealand Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) allows Indian students who have completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand to stay and work in the country for up to three years. The duration of visa depends on the level and duration of the qualification completed by the applicant.

The New Zealand Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) allows Indian students to stay and work in New Zealand after completing an eligible qualification. The visa lets graduates work for any employer and stay in the country for up to three years, depending on their course and qualification level.

New Zealand is becoming a popular study destination among Indian students because of its high-quality education and student-friendly policies. Benefits such as post-study work rights, part-time work opportunities, and welcoming immigration policies attract thousands of international students every year. Many students choose to study at universities in New Zealand to improve their career prospects and gain international work experience.

Under the New Zealand Post Study Work Visa (PSWV), eligible graduates can:

• Stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years.
• Work for any employer if they hold a Level 7 degree or higher qualification.
• Bring their partner and dependent children under the eligible visa categories.
• Build work experience that may support a future New Zealand PR application.

Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa in New Zealand

International applicants who have completed their education in New Zealand universities are eligible to apply for a PSW in New Zealand. The applicants are eligible to stay back for 3 years based on the length of their studies in New Zealand. These visa applications are assessed within 5 weeks, and 80% of the applicants are offered a PSW within this period.

The cost of applying for a PSW visa to NZ from India is:

• Apply Online: NZD 1,670 (INR 86,330)
• Apply on Paper: NZD 1036 (INR 53,556) + INR 2,000 for Receiving Centre Fees

Who Can Apply for a Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?

You must apply for the PSW visa within three months of the end date of the New Zealand student visa. PhD students may apply up to 6 months after their student visa ends.

To apply for the PSW visa of New Zealand, you must have completed a degree qualification that would gain points under the ‘New Zealand Immigration Skilled Migrant Category. Also, your qualifications must be at least Level 4 under the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).

Post-Study Work Visa Rules for New Zealand

The Government of New Zealand, following a public consultation, has ushered in changes to immigration policies that impact post-study work rights for international students. Read on to understand what they are and how they are going to affect you. Here, for the benefit of our readers, we have provided the earlier version of the rule and how it has been changed for the students currently pursuing their course. 

Level 4 to 6 and non-degree Level 7 Qualifications:

• Earlier: Prior to the changes, students who studied for 24 months were entitled to a one-year open work visa and then a two-year employer-assisted work visa.
• After Change: Now, a two-year employer-assisted work visa has been removed, and a one-year open work visa is retained. However, those who pursue their education outside Auckland can get a two-year open work visa.

Bachelor-level qualifications:

• Earlier:  After 12 months of study, students were entitled to a one-year open work visa and a two-year employer-assisted work visa.
• After Change: A one-year open and two-year employer-assisted visa is replaced with a three-year open work visa.

Post-graduate level qualifications:

• Earlier: After pursuing 12 months of study, students were entitled to a one-year open work visa and after that, a two-year employer-assisted work visa.
• After Change: One-year open and two-year employer-assisted visa is replaced with a three-year open work visa in NZ.

These visa rules are applicable to those who hold a student visa or whose student visa application has been accepted by Immigration New Zealand:

How to Apply for a PSWV in New Zealand?

You can choose to apply through the INZ online application portal, Immigration Online, or through the print form INZ1015. You will need the following documents and a bank balance before applying:

• Work Visa application form INZ1015.
• Evidence that you have completed your qualification.
• Bank statement showing a balance of a minimum NZD 5,000.
• Three months' bank statement.
• Indian Passport.
• Two recent passport-size photographs.
• Police Clearance Certificate (If asked). 

Post-study Work Visa Duration in New Zealand

The duration of a Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand depends on your qualification and where you studied. Usually, the PSW visa of New Zealand is valid for up to three years. If you completed your course in New Zealand, you may be eligible for the full three-year work visa under current immigration rules.

The duration of a post-study work visa in New Zealand depends on the applicant's area of study and level. Area-wise, three major distinctions are beneficial factors in deciding the post-study work visa duration in New Zealand.

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