New Zealand to toughen student visa rules

As per the change, now the students have to study for at least 2 years in order to qualify for the 3 years post study work visas. These 3 years duration includes 1 year open search visa and 2 years graduate work visa.

Moreover the funds needed for student visa applicants will be $15,000 per year for courses 36 weeks or longer. Earlier it was $10,000. This will be applicable from March next year.

Regarding the new immigration law, Sandeep Jani, immigration consultant, said, “This condition is relaxed for students who opt for at least a post graduate diploma in selected subjects. Students have to know that the immigration officials will favor only those cases that are recommended by those agents authorized by the government and hold a license.”

What brought the change?
Government wants the best students to stay and contribute towards the development of the country.

Immigration Minister, Dr Jonathan Coleman, said, "The majority of people are here to legitimately study, but some just see a student visa as a short cut to gaining access to New Zealand.

''Some education providers have been enrolling students who are not capable of successfully completing their courses, have poor attendance and who are recording poor learning outcomes.

"This affects our reputation as a high quality study destination, and our ability to attract more genuine students who have the skills New Zealand needs."

Since 2006, there has been a sharp rise in the population of Indian students immigrating to New Zealand.

Upon being asked the reason, Rajni Bhatla, director of overseas education consultancy, said, “India's wealth creation in the last decade has given the leverage to the middle class to send more students overseas for undergraduate education, and many are choosing to study in New Zealand level 5 or level 6 one year courses at PTEs.”

“With these changes, it is evident that New Zealand wants to promote itself as a quality education destination and keep a strong tap on its private players in the education field,” he added.