New Zealand To Grant Work Visa Access for Indian Students' Families

Great news for Indian students in New Zealand! The latest visa policies now allow students with a student visa to sponsor work visas for their partners and dependent children. This policy is specifically aimed at those pursuing higher education degrees listed on the Green List, such as Level 7 or 8 qualifications. Level 7 and 8 qualifications encompass a range of educational achievements such as graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas, and Bachelor’s Honours degrees. These educational levels are now pivotal for leveraging the benefits of the updated visa policies.

Partner of a Student Work Visa in New Zealand:

Enrolled in an eligible Level 7 or 8 qualification on the Green List? Your spouse can now apply for a "Partner of a Student Work Visa". This visa offers open conditions, allowing your partner to work in New Zealand without the need for a pre-existing job offer.

Dependent Child Student Visa in New Zealand:

Under this scheme, partners and spouses of work visa holders can apply for a Dependent Child Student Visa. This visa enables their children to attend school as domestic students, exempting them from international tuition fees. This significantly alleviates the financial strain associated with international education.

Understanding the New Zealand Green List:

The Green List comprises a select group of critically needed, highly skilled roles that face shortages in New Zealand. It facilitates the recruitment of migrants for these challenging positions, offering a straightforward pathway to residency after just two years of working in these roles.

Occupations on the New Zealand Green List:

-Engineering: Covers Chemical, Civil, Structural, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Telecommunications, Industrial, Environmental, and Geotechnical Engineers. -Health & Social Services: Encompasses General Practitioners (GPs), Surgeons, Psychologists, Veterinarians, Psychiatrists, Dermatologists, Anaesthetists, Registered Nurses, Midwives, ECE Teachers, and Secondary School Teachers. -Primary Industries and Science: Features Food Technologists, Environmental Research Scientists, and more. -ICT, Electronics & Telecommunications: Highlights roles like Chief Information Officer, ICT Project Manager, Software Engineer, and Multimedia Specialist. -Trades: Includes Automotive Electrician, Diesel Motor Mechanic, Electrician, Plumber, and others. -Agriculture: Involves Dairy Cattle Farmer positions, including Dairy Farm Manager, Assistant Dairy Farm Manager, and Dairy Herd Manager.

Applying for a Green List Role in New Zealand:

To apply for a role on the Green List, you must secure an offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. Prospective applicants are encouraged to seek guidance from a Licensed Immigration Adviser when applying for these positions.

Work Visa Criteria for Green List Roles:

According to New Zealand Immigration, employers seeking to hire migrants for roles on the Green List under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) are exempt from advertising the job. However, migrant workers must possess a job offer that aligns with the job description and demonstrate the necessary qualifications.

Impact on International Students:

For students pursuing qualifications at Level 7 and below (excluding bachelor’s degrees), eligibility for post-study work rights is contingent upon their qualification relating to an occupation on the Green List. There are direct pathways to twenty occupations from Level 7 and below qualifications, including roles such as Construction Project Manager, various engineering positions, Secondary School Teacher, Early Childhood Teacher, Automotive Electrician, and Diesel Motor Mechanic.

Advantages of the Green List

The Green List offers an expedited pathway to residency and streamlines the recruitment process for employers, facilitating the placement of highly skilled migrants into positions in New Zealand. This benefits both employers and prospective migrants, ensuring the country’s workforce meets its demand for skilled labour. For further information, please refer to the official website of the New Zealand government.