New Zealand Immigration - Students

Changes in New Zealand Immigration Policy for International Students

Enhancements of immigration policy will be made for international students to work and study in New Zealand. The following changes will take effect from 4 July 2005:

• International students who have graduated from a course that would gain points under Skilled Migrant Category will be eligible for a six-month open work permit.
• The pool of students eligible to work part time while studying will be expanded to include Year 12 and 13 school students and some English language students, provided certain conditions are met.
• Eligible students will be able to apply to work for up to 20 hours a week during term, instead of the current 15 hours.
• Anyone undertaking a course of 12 months or more will be able to apply to work full-time over the summer holidays.
• Partners of students studying in areas of absolute skill shortage and partners of all postgraduate students will be able to apply for an open work permit valid for the duration of the student’s course of study.

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