Are you a student studying in New Zealand or considering studying there? If so, it’s important to understand the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) and its requirements. The PSWV is a valuable opportunity for international students to gain work experience in New Zealand after completing their studies.
In this blog post, we will explore the key details about the PSWV, including the duration of the visa, eligibility criteria, and important considerations for applicants. If you’re considering applying for a PSWV, read on to learn more!
Duration of the Post Study Work Visas
The duration of the PSWV depends on various factors, including the level of qualification completed in New Zealand and the length of time spent studying.
You may be qualified for a PSWV for up to three years if you earned a Master’s or Doctoral level degree and studied in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks. This provides ample time to gain valuable work experience and explore career opportunities in New Zealand.
On the other hand, your PSWV will last for the same amount of time as your study if you completed a qualification at level 8 or lower. For instance, if your offer of place indicates that your study will take 32 weeks, your visa will be valid for 32 weeks.
It’s important to note that if you fail a course or take longer to complete your study than stated on your offer of place, it will not extend the length of your visa. Further information may be required from your education provider if there is a discrepancy between the actual length of study and the offer of place.
Also read: Bringing your family based on a Student Visa New Zealand
| Qualification | Knowledge requirements (focus area) | Related jobs |
|---|---|---|
| A Graduate Diploma at NZQF Level 7 | Highway engineering or civil engineering | Construction Project Manager |
| A Graduate Diploma at NZQF Level 7 | Construction management or construction project management | Construction Project Manager or Project Builder |
| A Graduate Diploma at NZQF Level 7 | Construction | Project Builder |
| A Graduate Diploma in Construction at NZQF Level 7 | Quantity Surveying | Quantity Surveyor |
| A Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying at NZQF Level 7 | N/A | Quantity Surveyor |
| A Graduate Diploma acceptable to the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand for registration and The applicant meets all the Council’s other requirements for teacher registration and certification, and either: Holds a specialty bachelor’s degree in one of the following subjects: – Science (including chemistry, biology, physics, agricultural and horticultural science, and earth and space science) – Mathematics (including statistics and calculus) – Technology (including digital technologies, computer science, construction and mechanical technologies, materials technologies, and processing technologies) or For Pacific languages (including languages of Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands, Sāmoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Fiji, Rotuma, and Kiribati), has provided a letter of support from the provider attesting that the individual has the skills to teach in a Pacific language. Note: This can be gained outside of New Zealand. |
N/A | Secondary School Teacher |
| Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) or comparable qualification that is acceptable to the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand for registration.
and The applicant meets all the Council’s other requirements for teacher registration and certification. Getting Certificated|Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand |
N/A | Early Childhood Teacher |
| A qualification at NZQF Level 7, with a letter from Engineering New Zealand certifying that the qualification and any further learning meet the benchmark requirements towards Chartered Professional Engineer professional status in New Zealand. | N/A | Engineer or Civil, Electrical, Electronic Engineering Technician |
| A Diploma at NZQF Level 6 or higher with a minimum of 240 credits | Highway engineering, construction or construction management | Construction Project Manager or Project Builder |
| A Diploma at NZQF Level 6 or higher with a minimum of 240 credits | Civil engineering | Construction Project Manager or Civil Engineering Technician |
| New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6 or higher) with a strand in Civil Engineering, 240 credits | N/A | Construction Project Manager or Civil Engineering Technician |
| New Zealand Diploma in Civil Engineering (Building and Construction) Level 7 | N/A | Civil Engineering Technician |
| New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) Level 6 or higher | N/A | Quantity Surveyor or Project Builder |
| New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6 or higher) with a strand in Quantity Surveying, 240 credits | N/A | Quantity Surveyor or Project Builder |
| New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6 or higher) with a strand in Construction Economics, Construction Management or Building, 240 credits | N/A | Project Builder |
| New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6 or higher) with a strand in Electrical Engineering, 240 credits | N/A | Telecommunications, Telecommunications Network Engineer or Electrical Engineering Technician |
| New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6 or higher) with a strand in Electronics Engineering, 240 credits | N/A | Electronic Engineering Technician |
| New Zealand Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Level 7) | N/A | Electrical Engineering Technician |
| A diploma at NZQF Level 5 or higher | Farm management, agriculture or dairy technology | Dairy Cattle Farmer |
| A certificate at NZQF Level 4 or higher | New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering (NZQF Level 4) | Automotive Electrician |
| A certificate at NZQF Level 4 or higher | New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (NZQF Level 4) | Diesel Motor Mechanic |
| A certificate at NZQF Level 4 or higher | Dairy Farming or Livestock Farming strands of the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Level 4) | Dairy Cattle Farmer |
| New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering (Level 4) | N/A | Automotive Electrician |
| New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (NZQF Level 4) | N/A | Diesel Motor Mechanic |
| New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Level 4) with a strand in Dairy Farming or Livestock Farming | N/A | Dairy Cattle Farmer |
Eligibility Criteria for the PSWV
To be eligible for a PSWV, you must have studied an acceptable qualification in New Zealand. This includes Master’s, Doctoral, and qualifications at level 8 or below.
Additionally, if you applied for a student visa after 11 May 2022, you must have completed at least 30 weeks of study for a Master’s or Doctoral level qualification to be eligible for a PSWV for 3 years.
If you applied for a student visa on or before 11 May 2022, you may still be eligible for a PSWV for up to 3 years if you were already studying in New Zealand on a student visa or if your student visa application was accepted and approved.
Important Considerations for PSWV Applicants
There are a few important considerations for applicants seeking a PSWV in New Zealand. Firstly, it’s crucial to ensure that your qualification is acceptable and recognized in New Zealand to be eligible for a PSWV. It’s also important to plan your study duration carefully and ensure that you complete your studies within the timeframe stated on your offer of place to avoid any potential issues with your visa duration.
Furthermore, if you are planning to work towards occupational registration in New Zealand, you may be eligible for a PSWV for up to 3 years, depending on your qualification. It’s important to research and understand the specific requirements for occupational registration in your field of study to make the most of your PSWV opportunity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Post Study Work Visa is a valuable opportunity for international students to gain work experience in New Zealand after completing their studies. The duration of the visa depends on various factors, including the level of qualification completed and the length of time spent studying. It’s important to ensure that your qualification is acceptable and recognized in New Zealand, plan your study duration carefully, and research the requirements for occupational registration if applicable.
If you are considering applying for a PSWV, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance from Immigration Chambers. With our expertise in immigration law and experience in navigating the complexities of New Zealand’s immigration system, we can provide expert guidance and support throughout the PSWV application process. From ensuring your qualification meets the requirements to helping you plan your study duration and understand the occupational registration requirements, our team of experienced immigration professionals can help you make the most of your PSWV opportunity.
Don’t leave your immigration journey to chance – trust Immigration Chambers to assist you in achieving your post-study work goals in New Zealand. Contact us today to start your immigration journey with confidence.