Good news for Indian students eyeing higher studies in New Zealand! If you have a student visa, you can now secure work visas for your partner and dependent children. This exciting update aligns with the latest policies on the New Zealand government website, specifically for those pursuing higher education degrees like Level 7 or 8 qualifications listed on the Green List.
What are Level 7 and 8 Qualifications?
Level 7 and 8 qualifications include:
- Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Diplomas
- Bachelor’s Degrees
- Postgraduate Certificates
- Postgraduate Diplomas
- Bachelor’s Honours Degrees
These qualifications are crucial for leveraging the new visa policies, providing more opportunities for your family to join you in New Zealand.
Partner of a Student Work Visa
If you’re enrolled in an eligible Level 7 or 8 qualification on the Green List, your spouse can apply for a “Partner of a Student Work Visa.” This visa offers open conditions, allowing your partner to work in New Zealand without needing a pre-existing job offer.
Dependent Child Student Visa
The new policy also supports your children’s education. Partners and spouses of work visa holders can apply for a Dependent Child Student Visa, enabling your children to attend school as domestic students. This means they don’t have to pay international tuition fees, significantly easing the financial burden of education abroad.
The Green List: Opportunities and Pathways
The Green List features highly skilled roles in shortage in New Zealand, helping employers attract and hire migrants for these positions. It provides a clear pathway to residence after just two years for those working in these roles.
Categories on the Green List:
- Construction: Engineering, Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager, etc.
- Engineering: Chemical, Civil, Structural, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Telecommunications, Industrial, Structural, Environmental, Geotechnical Engineers.
- Health & Social Services: General Practitioners (GPs), Surgeons, Psychologists, Veterinarians, Psychiatrists, Dermatologists, Anaesthetists, Registered Nurses, Midwives, ECE Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, etc.
- Primary Industries and Science: Food Technologists, Environmental Research Scientists, etc.
- ICT, Electronics & Telecommunications: Chief Information Officer, ICT Project Manager, Software Engineer, Multimedia Specialist, etc.
- Trades: Automotive Electrician, Diesel Motor Mechanic, Electrician, Plumber, etc.
- Agriculture: Dairy Cattle Farmer, including Dairy Farm Manager, Assistant Dairy Farm Manager, and Dairy Herd Manager.
Applying for Green List Roles
To apply for a role on the Green List, you need an offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. It’s advisable to consult a Licensed Immigration Adviser to navigate the application process for these roles.
Employers hiring migrants on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for roles on the Green List don’t need to advertise for the job check. However, the migrant worker must have a job offer that matches the job description and prove the required qualification.
Post-Study Work Rights for Level 7 and Below
Students pursuing Level 7 and below qualifications (excluding bachelor’s degrees) will only be eligible for post-study work rights if their qualification relates to an occupation on the Green List. Twenty occupations have direct pathways from Level 7 and below qualifications, including roles like Construction Project Manager, various engineering roles, Secondary School Teacher, Early Childhood Teacher, Automotive Electrician, and Diesel Motor Mechanic.
Fast-Track to Residency
The Green List provides a fast track to residency and simplifies the hiring process for employers. It makes it easier for highly skilled migrants to find and secure jobs in New Zealand, benefiting both employers and potential migrants by ensuring the country’s workforce can meet its skilled labour needs.
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