From Student to Resident

Do you dream of transforming your New Zealand educational journey into a permanent future reality? Every year, New Zealand‘s world-class education system, welcoming communities, and breathtaking natural scenery attract thousands of international students. 

With its world-class educational system and relaxed outdoor lifestyle, New Zealand is one of the most desirable places in the world to study. In addition to enjoying the landscape and gaining valuable life skills, studying here is an opportunity to earn a top-notch degree. While studying, you will have the opportunity to make new friends and become a part of a new community.

Why New Zealand as a country to study and live in?

New Zealand is not only the opportunity to receive a high-quality education but also the chance to settle in the country. The country provides the potential to build a future here because it has a strong economy, good quality of life and has student-friendly immigration. Due to this, many international students wish to remain over after graduating and see possibilities to acquire a work experience and after some time due to this, acquire permanent residency. This blog will give you an overview of the transformation of a student visa to a resident one, and all major steps, expectations, and opportunities on the way.

Taking the Leap: The Graduate to resident transition

Although New Zealand study is an experience on its own, the real adventure starts when the time comes when you want to make this country your new home. When you are willing to transform your academic success into a long-term future, you can follow the next steps on the way of becoming a resident by the following.

Step 1: Choose the Right Course and Institution

Your pathway to residency begins with intelligent planning. You need to select a course that does not only suit your interests, but also enhances the likelihood of you remaining in New Zealand upon completion of your studies.

• Emphasis on Skill-Shortage Areas: Select a course that is associated with the Long-Term Skill Shortage List in New Zealand. A graduate of these areas has a better chance of employment and residency.
• Study in an Approved Institution: Ensure that the institution of your choice is registered with New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA). Post-study work visas can only be awarded to students who attend established education institutions.

Step 2: Finish your studies and get ready to the next things (PSWP)

After selecting the correct course in an accredited institution, all you need to do is to complete your education successfully. Throughout, create good academic transcripts, engage in internship when possible and begin to do some research into career possibilities within your area of study. This does not only make your resume stronger but also makes you ready to move the next step on the way to living in New Zealand.

• Stay Informed: Be informed about immigration news; skill shortage lists and post-study work visa requirements because all of them could vary in time.
• Begin Connecting With People: You should utilize this time to seek networking opportunities with prospective employers, visit career fairs and reach out to individuals in your business field. One of the determining factors of your residency is a prospective job offer immediately after you graduate.

Step 3: Secure a Job in a Skilled Occupation

One of the most important steps in moving from student to resident in New Zealand is getting a full-time job that relates to your qualifications. One important step in becoming a permanent resident is obtaining a job with a recognized employer, which may make you eligible for the Work to Residence Visa.

Step 4: Submit an application under the category of a Skilled Migrant (SMC)

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is one of the best and frequently used categories of obtaining residency through the government of New Zealand by international graduates. This is a point based system where your age, qualifications, works experience, and job offer in New Zealand is considered. It is necessary to meet the eligibility requirements and achieve the necessary points.

• Keep In Touch with Immigration Policies: The requirements in SMC like the points thresholds, occupations, and qualifying English language criteria are updated frequently by Immigration New Zealand. Make sure that you refer to the updated guidelines before applying.
• Get a Skilled Employment Offer: You may increase your probability greatly by having a full-time job offer in a recognized skilled occupation. It also shows that you want to build a career over a long commitment to the working population of New Zealand.
• Maximize Your Points: Consider aspects such as obtaining local work experience, higher-level qualifications and working out of Auckland to raise your overall points.