New Zealand Work visa
After the borders reopened after March 2023, there has been a 98% increase in the number of work permit visas issued in New Zealand. As a result of this influx the processing time for post study work permit visa in New Zealand was reduced from 51 days to 23 days. The number of applications for staying back on a work permit or new applications from overseas applicants is increasing due to new opportunities coming in through the New Zealand government.
New Zealandโs top universities gained popularity among Indian students due to the country’s improved education system which is supported by a curriculum that is industry oriented and places a strong emphasis on making the campus welcoming to students. China, Korea, Japan and India are the top four countries from which the majority of International students studying in New Zealand come.
For Indian students wishing to study abroad, New Zealand has become a study haven thanks to the New Zealand Excellence Awards, which provide 32 scholarships in addition to other scholarships in the country to aspirants pursuing masters and bachelors degrees. The Indian student population particularly enjoys courses in robotics, STEM, artificial intelligence (AI), environmental science, management, finance and engineering.
The foreign student population is a significant contributor to the New Zealand economy and the government of New Zealand declared in 2018 that international students may remain in the country for up to 3 years after completing their studies in order to secure employment. Indians can feel at home even when they are away from home because of the fact that Hindi is the fourth most widely spoken language in the country. Therefore, the next crucial question is, How can one apply for a work permit in New Zealand after completing their studies? Continue reading to find out what New Zealand requires in terms of work visa.
Why apply for a work visa in New Zealand?
Only those who meet one of the following requirements may apply for a work permit visa, allowing them to work temporarily in New Zealand:
- From an accredited New Zealand employer get an official job offer.
- Those who are returning back to New Zealand for specific work related purposes or events.
- Those applicants who want to move to New Zealand to work with their spouses or partners
- Applicants from countries with unique work programs or those who have studies in New Zealand and wish to work there.
How to get a work permit in New Zealand?
Candidates may submit an application for a 1, 2 or 3 year post study work visa. We will discuss todayโs eligibility requirement for those wishing to apply for a three year work visa following their studies. It is important for applicants to understand that the length of stay is the only difference in the eligibility criteria for different post study work visa applications.
Good health condition
Applicants must show their good health in order to be granted a three year post via. On the official New Zealand immigration website there is a list of approved doctors who may be required to perform a medical examination, a chest x-ray or both. All candidates who have reached the age of 17 and above and wish to remain in the country for more than a year are eligible for this. Although it isn’t necessary you would have to obey any requirement that New Zealand(NZ) immigration may have.
Character certificate
It is not required but the NZ government might ask you to present a police certificate attesting to your good character. Candidates who are older than 17 must obey this rule.
Apply on time for your post study work visa
Applicants must apply for their post study work visa no later than three months following the expiration of their New Zealand student visa, six months after they have granted a visa to finish their doctorate. As their records would be checked to ensure they applied before the deadline candidates should bear this in mind and apply on time.
Proof of fund
Applicants applying for work visas in New Zealand have to provide proof of funds at least NZD $4,200 when they apply. Proof includes bank statements, credit card statements, bank drafts or traveller cheques.
Education qualification
If the student hasnโt completed the qualification that is on the visa, they are not eligible to apply for a post study work visa. So the students have to complete the intended course that they have applied for and came to study in New Zealand. Applicants must submit a copy of their acceptable qualification and an official letter or academic transcript from their post secondary education provider confirmation to their completion of their qualification in order to consider for a work permit in New Zealand.
Acceptable qualifications for a post study work visa include:
- You need to study in new Zealand
- Your qualification need to be Level 4 or higher in the New Zealand educational framework
- Your qualification at level 7 or higher is acceptable if your course lasted 30 weeks or more
- Your level 4,5 or 6 qualification is acceptable if you:
– -Completed it after study of 60 weeks or more
— Gained 2 qualifications that each involved 30 weeks study and the level of your last qualification was higher than the first
–You studied the English language
How to apply for a work permit in New Zealand?
There are two ways where applicants can apply for a 3 year post study visa in New Zealand.
- Online method
- Offline method
Rules for two only slight changes. Read to understand
The online method: in order to be eligible for a work permit in New Zealand candidates must fill an online application. They will have to submit one acceptable photo (on the required photo, visit the official website). In order to submit their application they will also need to upload a copy of their current passport. Once the application process has started but only at a later stage, candidates will be required to send their original passport. The validity of your passport must last
Post study work visa fee and time - Online
Application fee | NZD 700 |
In Indian Rupee | INR 34,247.22 |
New Zealand post study work permit processing time | 23 days |
Average visa processing time | 11 Days |
The offline method: along with the acceptable photo, the candidate needs to submit a paper based application. By applying a paper application the processing time can shorten but only need to provide original passport or certified copy of it.
Post study work visa fee and time - Offline
Application fee | NZD 484 |
Receiving centre fee | INR 1,625 |
New Zealand post study work permit processing time | 23 days |
Average processing time | 11 Days |
New Zealand work visa processing time
The table below will show the processing time for work visa in new Zealand
NZ Work visa type | Work visa processing time |
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | 8 weeks |
Employer accreditations for AEWV | 8 weeks |
Job checks | 3 weeks |
Partner of a Worker Work Visa | 11 weeks |
The timelines can vary as they are receiving a lot of applications. But New Zealand work visa processing time should not vary beyond the above given timelines.
New Zealand work visa cost
NZ Work visa type | New Zealand work visa cost |
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | NZD 750 |
Employer accreditations for AEWV | NZD 740 |
Partner of a Worker Work Visa | NZD 700 |
The cost of a New Zealand work visa may differ depending on whether it is submitted online or offline. The preferred method of submission is typically online. Applicants may also submit their application offline if they are unable to do so online and vice versa.
Want to apply for another post study work permit
Candidates can apply for second post study work permit if they are looking for longer stay, but they have to qualify the following requirements
- Once you have completed another qualification in New Zealand you are eligible to apply for another post-study work visa.
- You studied for 30 weeks or more
- Is a bachelorโs degree or postgraduate qualification
- Is at a higher level than the qualification you used to get your previous visa.
