1. Schooling & Student Visas: Your Educational Journey

New Zealand's education system is globally recognized, welcoming international students from primary school through to postgraduate degrees.

• Fee Paying Student Visa: This is the most common visa, allowing international students to undertake an approved course of study for a specific duration.
• Pathway Student Visa (Pilot): A unique and highly beneficial option, this visa allows students to undertake up to three consecutive courses (e.g., secondary school followed by a university degree) on a single visa for up to five years. This streamlines the application process and provides stability for long-term study plans, provided the education provider is approved for this scheme.
• Work Rights: Most international students on a Student Visa are permitted to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks, offering valuable experience and financial support.

Starting with a student visa is an excellent strategic move for many, providing an entry point into New Zealand life and the opportunity to gain a recognized qualification.

2. Work Permits: Bridging Study to Employment

For many international students, the logical progression after completing their studies is to transition to a work permit, gaining essential New Zealand work experience.

Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV): This is the key stepping stone. Upon successful completion of an approved New Zealand qualification, graduates can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa. This visa grants open work rights for up to three years, allowing individuals to work for almost any employer in almost any role. This period is crucial for gaining experience and establishing connections that can lead to long-term skilled employment.

The Post-Study Work Visa is designed to retain talented graduates and integrate them into New Zealand's workforce, setting the stage for more permanent residence options.

3. Skilled Migration: Your Path to Permanent Residence

After gaining relevant work experience on a Post-Study Work Visa or securing a skilled job offer, individuals can explore various pathways to permanent residence in New Zealand.

• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): Before applying for residence, many will transition to an AEWV. This requires a job offer from an accredited employer for a full-time role that meets specific wage and skill requirements. This visa is often a prerequisite for skilled residence pathways.
• Green List Pathways:
  • Straight to Residence: For individuals in highly skilled, high-demand roles (Tier 1 Green List), residence can be applied for immediately upon securing a qualifying job offer, often directly from offshore.
  • Work to Residence: Other critical roles (Tier 2 Green List) require 24 months of work experience in New Zealand in that specific occupation before a residence application can be made.
• Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): For skilled roles not on the Green List, the SMC is a points-based system. Points are awarded based on factors such as qualifications, income, skilled New Zealand work experience, and age. This pathway is designed for skilled migrants who can contribute to New Zealand's economy.