Changes to post-study work rights

The changes are designed to support the attraction of international students enrolled in higher levels of study, and in high-quality sub-degree courses that deliver the skills needed in New Zealand’s growing economy.

Minister Lees-Galloway said the changes to post-study work rights will help ensure international students in New Zealand gain in-demand skills for our economic growth, incentivise study in the regions and help reduce the risk of student exploitation.

“These new immigration settings will better match the skills that people study in New Zealand with the skills that employers need to grow their businesses. The changes preserve a pathway to residence for people with the skills and qualifications we need,” Minister Lees-Galloway said.

“New Zealand is a nation that must compete on quality, not quantity. Our changes reinforce New Zealand’s attractiveness for international students and match up positively with our key comparator nations.”

The Government wants to support the transition to these new immigration settings. These changes include a three year, time-limited incentive for international students to study outside Auckland. This is to ensure the benefits of international education are shared throughout all New Zealand regions, supporting the Government's aims to lift regional investment, growth and productivity.

There is a three-year transition period, to enable those parts of the sector that are most affected by the changes (Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) and Private Training Establishments (PTEs) to be able to successfully transition, over time, to new immigration settings. It also supports the current ITP Roadmap 2020 work underway by the Tertiary Education Commission on the long-term viability of ITPs, while ensuring that Government goals for regional growth are not undermined.

These changes will not impact current post-study work visa holders or current students who are undertaking a qualification that (once completed) will meet the qualification requirements as set out in current immigration settings.

These changes support the Government’s broader plans for a high-quality international education system in order to generate educational, economic, social and cultural benefits to New Zealand.

Click this link for more detail on the changes to the Immigration New Zealand website.