Under new government policy, international students have full access to New Zealand from the end of July. Student visa processing was previously scheduled to begin in October, but will now begin on July 31. Apart from this, the government has also revealed the changes in post-study options.
“New Zealand is in demand and is now fully open for business,” Jacinda Ardern said on May 11. “New Zealand’s international border will reopen to all tourists and visa holders two months earlier than scheduled on July 31.”
Changes to the new package will allow for ‘significantly simplified immigration processes’, visa extensions and a new ‘green list’ of hard-to-fill positions that aim to attract and retain highly skilled workers to fill skills shortages in different domains. such as health, engineers, commerce and technology.
“Reopening will allow the international education sector to begin to rebuild sustainably. “Over 5,000 international students have already been confirmed to enter under previous border exemptions, meaning they can be here by mid-July. All international students who meet the normal entry criteria can register to study here from the end of July,” said Chris Hipkins.
New Zealand universities had requested that the 5,000 student limit be extended for the second semester in July and August.
The government is also changing its policies, so that the country can continue to attract “real students”.
Those enrolled in non-degree courses will only be able to obtain non-degree level post-study work rights if they fill specified shortages and skilled occupations. In order to reflect the duration of study undertaken by students, the government has also limited the duration of post-study work. In short, students who have studied for 30 weeks in other fields will no longer be qualified to work for up to 3 years in New Zealand. On the other hand, masters and doctorate. students can still work in the country for up to three years after their studies. In addition, students will no longer be able to apply for a second New Zealand post-study visa.
“The future will be different; We will not revert to the national volume-versus-value approach that became a back door to residency for less-skilled and lower-paid migrant workers, who were then at risk of exploitation. -” Said Hipkins
Bringing forward the reopening in stages from October to July 31 adds “much-needed certainty for our existing and prospective international students”, – According to Universities New Zealand – Chris Whelan, Chief Executive of Te Pōkai Tara.
Due to border restrictions, students faced two stressful years stranded outside the country.
“They can now be sure, Immigration New Zealand, visa processing capacity, if possible, that they will be in New Zealand and at their chosen university in time for the start of the 2023 academic year and, in some cases, to study later in 2022.”
“It was good to hear Education Minister Chris Hipkins today say that the government is committed to going around the world to sell New Zealand international education and the attractive offer that it represents. We look forward to hearing more about this and the broader international education strategy refresh,” Whelan said.
Ainslie Moore, Director of the International Office at the University of Auckland, said: ‘This will help international students to study and learn in person, and it’s a challenge the institution is ‘more than happy to take on. “.
Moore said, “International students add diversity and richness to our campuses and play an important role in research and the workforce outside of the university. They make a real contribution to our university community and our city and we are very happy to see them return,”
“But New Zealand and our universities are attractive to international students. All universities are ranked in the top 500 of over 18,000 universities around the world and we know New Zealand being so welcoming, inclusive and safe with beautiful natural surroundings is an important factor in our decision making. international students. “New Zealand has a strong international education brand and is universally seen as a place where students want to come and study. It enriches us, connects us to the world and strengthens our reputation abroad,” recalled Chris Hipkins.
“Universities are excited and fully prepared to welcome back our international students,” Whelan concluded.
Thinking of studying in New Zealand? Explore study options in New Zealand and get reliable advice from certified and experienced Canam consultants.
Canam Consultants has partnerships with all of New Zealand’s prestigious universities, enabling it to help students like you study at top New Zealand universities and achieve their career goals.
Study in New Zealand. Let Canam Consultants guide you today!
Leave a Reply