Immigration New Zealand ANZA 2017
Student Visa Volumes offshore Student Visa Approval Rates offshore 70.000 60.000 50.000 40.000 30.000 20.000 10.000 0 Total Fee Paying Student Visa Volume 2014 2015 2016 50000 45000 40000 35000 30000 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 0 70% 76% 73% 2014 2015 2016 Approved Declined
Offshore fee paying student visa applications by sector, 2016 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Universities (NZ wide) 96% 99% 91% 99% 99% 95% 98% 98% 98% 99% 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (NZ wide) 59% 89% 79% 49% 66% 20% 96% 100% 98% 67% NB: the percentages used in the slides are approval rates
Offshore fee paying student visa applications by sector, 2016 10000 PTEs (NZ wide, incl English language ) 34% 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 88% 70% 94% 98% 99% 94% 93% 29% 43% NB: the percentages used in the slides are approval rates
Student visa requirements Offer of place: Can be conditional upon fees being paid (INZ can then Approve in Principle AIP). Include evidence of English language ability to demonstrate the student meets Rule 18 requirements (if student is from a Rule 18 country https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assistmigrants and students/assist students/international markets/student visa approval rates ) Tuition fees: Must have submitted evidence of payment, or exemption from fees, if the visa is to move beyond AIP stage. There are some arrangements with providers that a student can get a length of course visa even if they have only paid a portion of the fees, but this is not widely used. Health: a chest x ray is required from some students intending a stay in NZ of six months or longer (if they could have been exposed to TB either by nationality or travel history). All students must hold appropriate insurance while they are in NZ. Character: police certificates from the student s home country (and any other countries they have lived in for more than five years since turning 17) are required if the student will be studying in NZ for two or more years. Bona fides: INZ needs to be satisfied that study is the primary purpose of applying for a student visa; that the student will not breach the conditions of their visa and will depart NZ at the expiry of their visa if required (some may apply for, and be granted further visas). Funds: a return flight ticket and funds to look after themselves while the student is in New Zealand (NZD $15,000 per year or NZ$1,250 per month if the programme is less than 36 months). INZ does assess the source of the funds.
Pathway Student Visa a great option! Progression of programmes on a single visa of up to 5 years validity Allows up to 3 programmes and providers (or can be multiple programmes within one provider) Tuition fees and funds are proven for 1st course or 1st year Qualifying providers that have accepted their invitation have been published on the INZ website Qualifying providers will enter into an agreement outlining management of pastoral care and study progression https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assist migrants and students/assist students/student visa info/pathway visas
Working while studying Most students can work while they study up to 20 hours per week and full time during vacations (including summer) Students should use this ability smartly and try to get a foot in the door of their industry/discipline Students need to know their rights as workers There is no guarantee that students will obtain ongoing work while they are studying in New Zealand. This is why INZ assesses financial viability thoroughly in the visa application.
Working after graduation New Zealand has facilitative post study pathways There are two work visas available to graduates the Post Study Work Visa (Open) and the PSWV (Employer Assisted) The PSWV Open is granted for 12 months. The PSWV Employer Assisted is granted for 2 years (up to 3 yrs if professional registration is required) The PSWV Employer Assisted means that the graduate has to have a job offer that is relevant to their studies A graduate can use both PSWVs Graduate with an eligible qualification PSWV Open 1 year PSWV Employer Assisted 2/3 years For most graduates this means 3 years of post study work in NZ (1+2)
Residence There are many categories of residence (business/family/skilled/humanitarian) Most graduates apply under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) In 2015/16, 45% of skilled migrants (principal applicants) were former international students In October 2016 INZ made some changes to SMC instructions The points selection was raised from 140 to 160 English language evidence changed Further changes to SMC instructions may come: for example introducing the use of salary levels to help define skilled employment, realigning the points system to better recognise highly skilled migrants Ministers are considering the proposals and will make their decisions soon Currently 30 extra points are offered if the person has a job in a region outside of Auckland