INZ student visa update: August 2024

Post Study Work Visa – cross crediting study from post graduate diploma to masters 

Provided eligibility is met, most level 8 post graduate diplomas will be eligible for a one year post study work visa (PSWV) with masters graduates eligible for a three year post study work visa. 

In order to be eligible for a PSWV, post graduate diploma (level 8) and masters qualifications (level 9) require a minimum of 30 weeks full time study in the specific programme/qualification being presented for a PSWV. 

Students must have held a student visa for that programme/qualification and apply for their PSWV within three months of the expiry date of the student visa for qualification they are presenting to INZ.

Recently some students completed post graduate diplomas (PG dip) and cross credited directly into a taught masters. In these cases, the students did not undertake full time study in the masters for a minimum of 30 weeks full time in New Zealand, due to the cross credited PG Dip.

This resulted in issues for the graduates when they applied for their PSWV. INZ is working directly with affected students and exploring options for them. However, it is important for agents and education providers to understand the PSWV rules.

Eligibility for Post Study Work Visas following study at level 8 and 9 are: 

• a minimum of 30 weeks full time study in that specific qualification, 
• hold/held a student visa for that specific qualification, and
• apply for their post study work visa within three months of the student visa expiry for that specific qualification.

Although the initial coursework of a masters might be similar to, or the same as a post graduate diploma, the two programmes have different entry criteria and are recognised as separate qualifications. For students who want to cross credit their PG Dip to a masters and undertake some extra study in order to gain a three year PSWV for that masters, the student would need to have studied the masters itself full time for at least 30 weeks. 

Note: Study weeks include exam preparation time, but exclude holiday periods and time spent repeating failed components.

We will continue to engage with the education sector to ensure they are aware of the requirements for a post study work visa. If you have questions about this article and are an agent or student, please talk to your education provider in the first instance.

Student visa peak – apply three months before intended travel

The processing of international student visas is a key focus for INZ, particularly as we get closer to the end of the year.

We are now coming into the period in which INZ receives the highest volumes of applications.

As soon as they have all the documents they need to apply for their visa, students should submit their application three months before their intended travel date to give them the best chance of having their application decided in time. They can apply earlier than three months if they wish, as long as they have all the required information and documents.

Our visa processing times are published on the INZ website and updated monthly: Visa processing times for international students

New fees and levies for visas come into effect from 1 October 2024

Earlier this month, the Government announced that the cost of applying for all visas will increase on 1 October 2024. 

Until now, the immigration system has been heavily subsidised by taxpayers.

The new fees have been set at a rate to recover the costs of assessing and processing each visa type and more accurately reflect the total service surrounding the immigration system.

Student visa fees increase from $375 to $750. The post study work visa fee increases from $700 to $1670.

Student visa fees differ depending on where the student applies from so be sure to check the new fees and levies here.

It is also important to note that New Zealand does have agreements with some countries where student visa fees are waived, and these remain. You can find information here.

INZ is receiving questions from the education sector on whether students can apply for visas now at the lower fee, and upload documents later once they are ready. 

Applications received before 1 October 2024 will be charged the current fee, however if the applications are not ready for assessment because they are missing documents then this will result in delays or disappointment for the student. 

INZ will not be contacting applicants if documents are missing from the application and, if the missing information is key to the assessment, then the applications may be declined.

Please make sure you are advising students to submit their visa application when it is complete and ready for assessment. For more information, please see the student visa information sheets here - Student visa information | Immigration New Zealand