New Zealand is a popular destination for international students seeking higher education opportunities. The country offers a range of courses that are eligible for permanent residency (PR) after graduation. In this article, we will explore the courses that are eligible for PR in New Zealand, including the Skilled Migrant Category, Long Term Skill Shortage List, and Essential Skills Work Visa.
Skilled Migrant Category
The Skilled Migrant Category is a points-based system that assesses the eligibility of applicants based on factors such as age, work experience, qualifications, and language proficiency. To be eligible for PR under this category, applicants must score at least 160 points and meet the following requirements:
- Qualification: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a New Zealand institution or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
- Work Experience: Applicants must have at least three years of work experience in their field of study or a related field.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in English by taking a recognized English language test, such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
- Age: Applicants must be under 56 years of age.
- Health and Character: Applicants must meet the health and character requirements set by the New Zealand government.
Courses Eligible for PR under Skilled Migrant Category
Most courses that lead to a bachelor’s degree or higher in New Zealand are eligible for PR under the Skilled Migrant Category. Some of the popular courses that are eligible for PR include:
- Engineering: New Zealand is home to several world-renowned engineering schools that offer courses in areas such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering.
- Information Technology: New Zealand offers courses in areas such as software engineering, computer science, and information systems that are in high demand in the job market.
- Healthcare: New Zealand offers courses in areas such as nursing, medicine, and allied health that are in high demand due to the aging population.
- Business: New Zealand offers courses in areas such as management, marketing, and accounting that are in high demand in the job market.
Long Term Skill Shortage List
The Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) is a list of occupations that are in high demand in New Zealand and have a shortage of skilled workers. Applicants who have qualifications and work experience in an occupation on the LTSSL may be eligible for PR under the Skilled Migrant Category. To be eligible for PR under this category, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Qualification: Applicants must hold a qualification that is recognized by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
- Work Experience: Applicants must have at least two years of work experience in their field of study or a related field.
- Age: Applicants must be under 56 years of age.
- Health and Character: Applicants must meet the health and character requirements set by the New Zealand government.
Courses Eligible for PR under Long Term Skill Shortage List
The occupations on the LTSSL are updated regularly based on the demand in the job market. Some of the popular courses that lead to occupations on the LTSSL include:
- Healthcare: New Zealand has a shortage of skilled workers in areas such as nursing, medicine, and physiotherapy.
- Engineering: New Zealand has a shortage of skilled workers in areas such as civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
- Information Technology: New Zealand has a shortage of skilled workers in areas such as software engineering, web development, and data analytics.
- Construction: New Zealand has a shortage of skilled workers in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, and electricians.
Essential Skills Work Visa
The Essential Skills Work Visa allows employers to hire skilled workers from overseas to fill specific skill shortages that cannot be filled by the domestic labor market. This visa is temporary and is usually valid for up to three years. However, some occupations may be eligible for a longer visa duration, depending on the demand in the job market.
To be eligible for the Essential Skills Work Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Qualification: Applicants must have the necessary qualifications and experience to perform the job.
- Job Offer: Applicants must have a job offer from a New Zealand employer that is willing to sponsor their visa application.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in English by taking a recognized English language test, such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
- Salary: Applicants must be offered a salary that is consistent with the market rate for the occupation.
Courses Eligible for PR under Essential Skills Work Visa
The occupations that are eligible for the Essential Skills Work Visa are determined by the New Zealand government and are regularly updated based on the demand in the job market. Some of the popular courses that lead to occupations eligible for this visa include:
- Agriculture: New Zealand has a strong agricultural industry and offers courses in areas such as farming, horticulture, and viticulture.
- Hospitality: New Zealand is a popular tourist destination and offers courses in areas such as hotel management, tourism, and hospitality.
- Construction: New Zealand has a growing construction industry and offers courses in areas such as building, carpentry, and electrical engineering.
- Education: New Zealand has a shortage of skilled teachers and offers courses in areas such as early childhood education, primary education, and secondary education.
Conclusion
New Zealand offers a range of courses that are eligible for permanent residency (PR) after graduation. The Skilled Migrant Category, Long Term Skill Shortage List, and Essential Skills Work Visa are some of the pathways that international students can use to apply for PR in New Zealand. However, it is important to note that the eligibility requirements and the courses eligible for PR may change depending on the demand in the job market. Therefore, it is essential for students to do their research and seek guidance from a qualified immigration advisor before making any decisions regarding their study and career options in New Zealand.
