Higher education has always been a valuable asset. It expands your knowledge, sharpens your skills, and opens up a plethora of opportunities. But when it comes to immigration, a Master’s degree does more than just enhance your resume. It could potentially be your ticket to a new life in New Zealand.
With the upcoming changes in the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC) pathway set to take effect from October 9, 2023, pursuing a Master’s degree in New Zealand can help you achieve residency status easily.Hence, understanding the nuances of these changes is crucial to strategizing your immigration plans.
In this blog post, we will discuss how pursuing a Master’s degree in New Zealand can positively impact your chances of obtaining residency status.
Completing a Master’s degree in New Zealand satisfies the criteria for a three-year Post Study Work Visa. With this visa, you can live and work in New Zealand for up to three years after completing your degree. This is an excellent opportunity to gain work experience in your chosen field, network with people, and improve your chances of finding a job in a related field.
Completing a Master’s degree in New Zealand allows you to acquire 5 points towards the SMC Resident Visa. This is because the New Zealand government considers a Master’s degree to be a highly valued qualification. By obtaining a master’s degree, you demonstrate that you have high-level skills and knowledge in your field.
Skilled work experience points are another crucial factor in achieving residency status in New Zealand. While the Master’s degree will give you 5 points, gaining skilled work experience in New Zealand during your post-study work visa will give you additional points. You can claim 1 point for each year of skilled work experience in the country, and you only need 6 points to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
Your partner can join you in New Zealand, and both of you can experience a thrilling new life together! With the Partner of a Student Work Visa, your loved one can live and work in New Zealand while you study. They have the freedom to choose any job and employer, helping to support their family financially. No New Zealand job offer is needed. Plus, they can stay for the same duration as you.
To qualify for residency status in New Zealand, you must have a skilled job or a job offer from an accredited employer in the country. Furthermore, your skilled work experience must be in a full-time position, with at least 30 hours of work per week. However, with the three-year Post Study Work Visa, you will have ample time to find a job and gain relevant experience.
Following this approach, you could apply for a resident visa just one year after completing your Master’s degree in New Zealand. All you need is 6 points, a skilled job or an offer from an accredited employer, and relevant work experience.
Pursuing a Master’s degree in New Zealand offers a wide range of benefits that include the opportunity to obtain residency status. With the upcoming changes in the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa pathway set to take effect from October 9, 2023, it’s ideal to take advantage of this opportunity. Obtaining a Master’s degree in New Zealand offers you skills, knowledge, and experience that make you highly valuable to employers, which can improve your chances of finding a job and securing residency status. If you’re considering studying abroad, New Zealand could be an excellent option to explore. Click here to register interest.
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.