Open Work Permits and Full Time Work
From July 4th, international students who have graduated from a course qualifying for Skilled Migrant Category points will be eligible for a six-month open work permit.

Partners of students studying in areas of absolute skill shortage and partners of all postgraduate students will be able to apply for an open work permit for the duration of the student’s course.

Anyone taking a course of 12 months or more will be able to apply to work full-time over the summer holidays.

Part Time Work
The pool of students eligible to work part time will be expanded to include Year 12 & 13 school students and some English language students, provided conditions such as English language standards are met.

Eligible students will be able to work for up to 20 hours a week during term, instead of the current 15 hours.

General Manager of Student Job Search, Dean Carroll said,

“International students are often amongst the highest performing students and are well represented in our flagship ‘FutureGrad’ programme. They are a near perfect fit in filling many key skills gaps.

“International students are also looking to get more out of their New Zealand tertiary education experience than simply qualifications. They want to experience the kiwi lifestyle and this is often achieved through working.”