Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, and New Zealand has emerged as a popular destination due to its high-quality education system, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming environment. In recent times, the New Zealand government has introduced significant changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) to attract and retain skilled migrants, which includes international students. These changes offer a simplified path to residency for Indian students wanting to study in New Zealand. In this blog post, we will explore the new six-point system and its implications for Indian students considering New Zealand as their study-abroad destination.
No Cap on Highly Skilled Workers
One of the significant changes is the removal of the artificial constraint on skilled migrants. Under the old system, there was an indicative number of residence places available each year, which limited the number of skilled migrants settling in New Zealand. However, with the removal of this cap, there is now a greater opportunity for Indian students to secure residency in New Zealand after completing their studies.
Clearer Criteria and Faster Pathway to Residence
The new points-based system introduced in the SMC aims to provide clarity and a faster pathway to residence for highly skilled individuals. The points system is based on New Zealand occupational registration, recognized qualifications, or income. This means that Indian students who graduate from New Zealand educational institutions and meet the required criteria will have a clearer and faster route to obtaining residence status.
Extension of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The government has also extended the duration of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) from three to five years. This visa allows businesses to access skills to fill short-term gaps in their workforce. The extension of the AEWV duration aligns with the introduction of a five-year maximum continuous stay, providing clarity and longer-term certainty for Indian students who do not qualify for a pathway to residence.
Earning Points for Experience
Indian students who are already in New Zealand or planning to arrive soon can start earning points for experience to count towards the future Skilled Migrant Category settings. This means that the time spent studying and working in New Zealand can be counted towards their eligibility for residency, making the transition from student to permanent resident more seamless.
Balancing Economic Future and Business Needs
The changes to the SMC and AEWV demonstrate the New Zealand government's commitment to striking the right balance between the nation's economic future and the needs of businesses. By providing a simplified path to residency and clarity for skilled migrants, including Indian students, New Zealand aims to attract and retain the talent necessary to fill medium-to-long-term skill shortages.
For Indian students aspiring to study abroad, New Zealand has become an even more attractive option with the recent changes to the Skilled Migrant Category. The removal of the cap on skilled migrants, a clearer points-based system, and the extension of work visa durations provide a simplified path to residency. These changes reflect the New Zealand government's recognition of the valuable contributions made by international students and their potential to fill skill shortages. Indian students can now embark on their educational journey with the knowledge that their efforts and skills may lead to a future in New Zealand as permanent residents.
Note: It is essential for prospective Indian students to stay updated on the latest immigration policies and consult with official government sources or immigration advisors for personalized guidance regarding their study and immigration plans.
