Everyone should be aware that the landscape of New Zealand's immigration policy is becoming increasingly stringent. Based on the latest developments, significant adjustments have been made to post-study work visas, skilled employment visas, and the Skilled Migrant Category. Those wishing to apply under the new 2019 New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category policy need to gain a better understanding of the new situation in New Zealand.
When applying for the new New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category policy, many people choose to study abroad to earn extra points because they cannot reach the 160-point threshold. However, due to the tightening of student visas for migration purposes, the new New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category policy has become more difficult, primarily in the following aspects.
I. New Visa Applicants
If you had not obtained a student visa or had a student visa application accepted by Immigration New Zealand before August 8, 2018, you need to pay attention to several aspects:
1. To meet the eligibility requirements, you must successfully obtain the corresponding qualification by December 31, 2021. If the qualification is obtained after this date, you may only be eligible for a one-year open work visa. Of course, if you obtain a graduate diploma after graduation and apply for registration with a professional or trade body, this may be extended by one year.
2. Students who obtain a Level 7 Bachelor's degree or higher will continue to be eligible for a post-study work visa of up to three years.
3. Starting from 2022, international students who complete two years of study to obtain a Level 4 to 6 qualification or a non-degree Level 7 qualification will be eligible for a one-year open work visa. Of course, if you obtain a graduate diploma after graduation and seek to apply for registration with a professional or trade body, this may be extended by one year.
II. Existing Student Visa Holders
If you obtained a post-study work visa before November 26, 2018, you are eligible for a one-year open work visa or a two-year employer-assisted work visa. After November 26, 2018, applicants can choose to remove the job and employer names printed on the work visa, so that even if they change jobs later, there is no need to contact Immigration New Zealand for amendments.
III. Existing Post-Study Work Visa Holders
1. Applicants must submit their application within the specified time, which is within three months after the student visa for the completed course expires (or within 6 months for PhD students); if it is a 1-year open work visa, the application must be made within the validity period of this visa.
2. For a 2-year open work visa outside the Auckland region, the relevant qualification must have been completed outside of Auckland.
3. If you wish to use two Level 4-6 qualifications for points, these two qualifications must have been started in the same year or in two consecutive years.
The tightening of New Zealand student visas is only one aspect that adds difficulty to the new New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category policy. On the other hand, the Skilled Migrant Category itself is constantly changing, such as changes to the points system and salary requirements, all of which make the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category policy increasingly difficult. Therefore, if you want to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category, you should get an assessment and start preparing as early as possible.