Studying overseas is not an easy decision. It involves a significant financial investment, not to mention time and energy. The return on investment is always the single most important consideration in the decision making process. For most people who are considering the pursuit of overseas study, the ultimate goal is to settle there. Here we discuss a simple 5-steps pathway from student to resident.
This is the one step that can make or break your options so DO NOT take this step frivolously. This is the most crucial step in the entire process and therefore maximum time needs to be spent in this step. Consult an experienced adviser, explain your study and migration goals clearly, understand the options available and then make your decision. It is strongly recommended that you consult a Licensed Immigration Adviser who can provide a more comprehensive and holistic guidance. Some of the basic requirements for obtaining an offer letter are as follows
It is important to note here that not all courses and/or colleges have intakes throughout the year. Some may have only one intake in a year, so make sure you plan your journey accordingly.
This is another step that requires experience and knowledge of immigration instructions and therefore you must select someone to represent you who can advocate your case most favourably to Immigration New Zealand. Again a Licensed Immigration Adviser is your best bet as they have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of immigration policies and the law. Some of the basic requirements for making an application for a student visa are:
While the requirements may appear simple, there are further requirements of acceptable evidence. Therefore, consult a professional to lodge your student visa application.
Once the student completes an eligible course they can apply for a post study work visa. This work visa can be granted for up to three years depending on the course of study and allows the holder to work in any occupation for any employer across New Zealand. Partners of holders of a post study work visa are also eligible for a work visa for the same period of time. A student can lodge an application for a post study work visa as soon as they have obtained their completion certificate and definitely within three months of course completion or three months from the date of expiry of their student visa. The basic requirements for submitting this application are:
Once you receive a suitable offer of employment which pays at least the median wage, you may be eligible to apply for residence under one of the skilled categories. The category that is most suited to you would be determined by the field of study completed and the industry in which you have been offered employment. Your partner and dependent children can be included in this application. The visa granted is a two year multiple entry resident visa that allows the holder to reside in New Zealand indefinitely and allows them to study or work without any restriction. Depending on the residence category selected, the basic documentation can include
At the end of the two years of holding a resident visa, one can apply for a permanent resident visa. To be granted this visa, one must demonstrate one of the following:
If any one of the above criteria is fulfilled you and your family can be granted permanent residence in New Zealand. The permanent resident status is valid indefinitely and no further requirements need to be met to maintain this status. The documentation required will be determined by the criteria that you choose to fulfil.
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.