How To Get PR In New Zealand After Study?

How To Get PR In New Zealand After Study?

Do you want to learn how to get PR in New Zealand after study? New Zealand is a popular destination for immigrants because of its strong economy and welcoming culture. With a Permanent Residency, you can live and work in the country permanently and will gain the right to vote and other citizenship benefits. There are several routes to get PR in New Zealand after studying. Let’s explore them.

Understanding New Zealand's Immigration Policies

Explanation of the Skilled Migrant Category

The skilled Migration Category is one of the most popular ways to get New Zealand PR. But this visa category requires you to have a job offer in New Zealand from the Skilled Occupations List. There are some other criteria you should also meet, such as a minimum level of English proficiency and having enough money to support yourself and your family in New Zealand.

Explanation of the Post-study work visa

A post-study work visa allows international students to live and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years after graduation. During this time, you can work and gain valuable work experience and apply for a Skilled Migrant Category visa. This way, you can get PR in New Zealand.

Other Immigration Categories Relevant to International Students

Apart from the above two, New Zealand has several other visa categories for international students. These include the Work to Residence Category (WTR), the Family Category, and the Investor Category.

Requirements For Permanent Residency

Explanation of the Points System

New Zealand has a point-based immigration system that assesses an applicant's eligibility for permanent residency. Points are given on several factors, such as your age, education, qualification, work experience, language proficiency, and your ties with New Zealand.

Different visa categories require different minimum points for permanent residency. For example, you will need 100 points to be eligible for a Skilled Migrant Category visa.

Key Factors Influencing Points

You can use the New Zealand PR points calculator to calculate your total points. Here are some key factors that influence the point system of New Zealand’s immigration system:

• Age: You can earn up to 12 points for your age. The maximum point is available if you are under 25 years old.
• Qualification: There are up to 60 points for your qualification depending on the qualification level and how recognized it is by New Zealand. A higher level of qualification will help you earn more points.
• Work Experience: There are 50 points allocated for work experience. The more work experience you have the more point you will get.
• Language Proficiency: The language proficiency points will depend on your ability to listen, speak, read, and write the English language. It has a maximum of 20 points.

Specific Requirements for Students

If you are an international student in New Zealand and want to get a permanent residency, you will have to meet the following requirements:

• You have to complete a degree or diploma from a New Zealand university.
• Must be working in New Zealand after completing study for at least 1 year.
• A good understanding of New Zealand culture and way of life.

Post-Study Work Visa

New Zealand immigration has two types of post-study work visa policies. They are:

• Open Post-Study Work Visa: This open post-study work visa is available for any international student to work for any employer in New Zealand for up to 3 years after graduation.
• Employer-assisted Post-study Work Visa: This visa category will allow you to work only for a few specific employers in New Zealand after completing your graduation.

How to Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa

You can apply for a post-study work visa online or by email. The application process is comparatively easier than in other countries but you have to strictly follow the instructions and make sure no mistakes are made. You will get all the necessary information on the Immigration New Zealand website. Also, you can contact us for assistance. 

Here are some eligibility criteria you must meet to apply for a post-study work visa in New Zealand:

• A valid student visa.
• A completed higher education or polytechnic qualification from a New Zealand university or polytechnic institute.
• A valid job offer in New Zealand.

How a Post-Study Work Visa Can Lead to PR

You will be eligible for permanent residency in New Zealand if you have a post-study work visa for several years. The amount of waiting time will depend on your qualifications and what type of job you have in New Zealand. For example, a Level 7 or above qualification and a skilled occupation will allow you to apply for a PR after working for 1 year.

Process Of Applying For Permanent Residency Under The Skilled Migrant Category

Detailed Steps of the Application Process

You can apply for New Zealand PR process under the Skilled Migration Category in the following ways:

1. Create an Expression of Interest: The first step in the application process is to create an EOI online. It will allow you to score points based on your age, qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency.
2. Invitation to Apply: If you score enough points, you will be invited to apply for a PR under the Skilled Migrant Category.
3. Submit Your Application: After getting an invitation, you will have to submit an application form with supporting documents. Be sure to provide the correct information and documents.
4. Pay Application Fees: Now, you will have to pay a non-refundable application processing fee of NZ$2,621.
5. Attend Interview: You will have to appear before an interview for further assessment. Make sure to take the necessary preparation for the interview.
6. Get a Decision: You will get a decision against your PR application within 12 months from your application date.

Time Frame for Application Processing

The application processing time under the Skilled Migrant Category generally varies between 6 to 12 months, depending on a number of factors. However, it can take longer than that if you are selected for further assessments and PR interviews. It also depends on how complete your application form is.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Application Process

Many applicants make some common mistakes during the application process which lead to not granting PR. Here are some common mistakes:

• Not providing enough information in the application form and supporting documents.
• Making errors in the application forms.
• Not providing the correct supporting documents. 
• Not showing up at the PR interview.

Also Read:

• How To Get PR In Australia After Study?
• How To Get PR In Canada After Study?
• How To Get PR In USA After Study?

Securing A Job in New Zealand

Importance of Relevant Job Experience for PR

If you want to apply for permanent residency in New Zealand, you must demonstrate that you can contribute to New Zealand’s economy. One of the best ways of doing that is by having relevant job experience in a skilled occupation.

Strategies for Job Searching in New Zealand

There are several ways to find a suitable job in New Zealand. Here are some essential strategies to find a job:

• Search job posting websites and online job boards that will give you a list of vacancies.
• Attend job fairs to meet potential employers and learn about available job opportunities.
• Create networks with working professionals in the relevant fields.
• Take help from recruitment agencies.

Industries with a High Demand for Skilled Workers

The following industries in New Zealand have high demands for skilled workers:

• Healthcare
• Information Technology
• Construction
• Education

Tips For Improving Your PR Application

Here are some pro tips to improve your PR application in New Zealand:

• Gaining additional qualifications: you can demonstrate your skills and ability by gaining additional qualifications. It will show your commitment to learning and you can apply for jobs with absolute skill shortages.
• Learning more about New Zealand's culture and language: try to learn more about New Zealand’s culture, language, and ways of life and mention that to your application.
• Securing job offers in areas of absolute skills shortage: you should search for jobs in areas where there are absolute skill shortages. It will increase your chance of getting the job and the PR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easy to get PR in New Zealand?

New Zealand has a point-based straightforward immigration policy with several visa categories. Getting a PR in New Zealand is not the easiest among countries but not very difficult like many countries as well.

Which courses are eligible for PR in New Zealand?

There are no specific courses that are eligible for PR in New Zealand. Some courses have more demand and will help you secure a job offer. Among the most demanding courses are Engineering, Accounting, Nursing, Social Work, Computer & IT, and Education.

Is it possible to get PR after study in New Zealand

Yes, you will be able to get PT after studying in New Zealand. But you must fulfill some eligibility criteria for that. For example, you will need a valid job offer after graduation to apply for PR.

What is the best way to get PR in New Zealand?

There are several ways you can get PR in New Zealand. Some of the best ways include skills-based migration, family-based migration, and business investments of certain amounts.

How long is PR valid in New Zealand?

Once you get permanent residency in New Zealand, you will be able to live, study, work, and travel permanently and indefinitely.

Conclusion

As a current international student, you must know how to get PR in New Zealand after study. With this knowledge, you can start the application process as soon as you complete your studies and become eligible. Since it’s a lengthy and complex process, you can seek help from a student consultant.

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