Yes, a student can get a New Zealand PR after studying and working in the country for five years. However it is necessary for a student to get employed in order to apply for New Zealand PR. While studying in the country, a student cannot automatically gain a New Zealand PR whether they are enrolled in a general course or a Ph.D.
Note: Any foreign national can get New Zealand PR after residing in the country for 2-5 year depending on the visa category.
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New Zealand Post-study work visa
A post-study work visa allows students to live and work in New Zealand for up to three years after graduation. After three years of proper work experience, a student can opt for a skilled migrant category visa to continue working in the country. Students must apply for a post-study work visa after completing their study course to continue living in the country.
Types of New Zealand Post-study work visas
There are two types of Post-study work visas that a student can apply for:
- Open Post-study Work Visa: The Open Post-study work visa is available to any international student who wants to work for any employer in New Zealand for up to 3 years after graduation.
- Employer-assisted Post-study Work visa: The Employer-assisted Post-study Work visa allows international students to work for some selective employers in New Zealand after graduation. This visa will provide two years to find a specific job role with a particular employer.
Requirements to apply for a New Zealand Post-study work visa
Here are the requirements to apply for a Post-study work visa:
- Valid student visa
- Proof of completion of the degree
- Valid job offer from a New Zealand employer
- Studied at a recognized New Zealand university
- Sufficient funds
- Qualification must be at least level four on the NZQA framework
Pathways to PR after Post-Study work visa
The Post-study work visa allows a student to acquire permanent residency in New Zealand:
Skilled Migrant Category: The Skilled Migrant Category is the most common pathway to residency. The work experience gained during the post-study work visa can later be used to meet the requirements of the Skilled Migrant Category.
Long-Term Skill Shortage List visa: This category is for students in the occupation category of Long-Term Shortage List, such as Clinical Psychologist, Chemical Engineer, or Civil Engineer. They can apply for this visa and stay in the country.
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Eligibility Criteria to apply for a New Zealand PR
To avail of a New Zealand PR, a student must fulfil the eligible criteria of the New Zealand PR such as:
- Must be aged under 55 or less
- Language Proficiency in English
- Holder of Resident visa for a minimum of two years
- Intention to stay in the country
- Score at least 160 points in EOI points
Requirements to apply for New Zealand PR
Below are the requirements to apply for New Zealand PR:
- Valid Passport
- Character certificate
- Valid resident visa
- Proof of commitment to live in New Zealand
- Valid Job Offer letter
- Proof of sponsorship
Steps to apply for New Zealand PR
Below are the steps to apply for New Zealand PR:
Step 1: Check the eligibility criteria for the New Zealand PR
Step 2: Complete NZQA Qualification
Step 3: Apply for the EOI
Step 4: Wait for the Invitation
Step 5: Receive the New Zealand PR
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