2012-Dec 14: Study to Work qualification requirements

Visa Pak 95 - Clarification on Study to Work qualification requirements and the changes to these instructions in April 2012.

Visa Paks

14 December 2012

Study to Work qualification requirements
  
In April 2012 Study to Work instructions were amended. In particular the qualification requirements at WD1.10 were changed. It is possible that some branches may not have been aware of this change and therefore have been incorrectly issuing visas under WD instructions.
  
  
WD1.10 Qualification requirements
  
a. Applicants must have successfully completed a New Zealand qualification(s) that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category (see SM14). 

b. The applicant must have completed: 
i. a qualification at level 7 or above on the New Zealand Qualification Framework and studied that qualification in New Zealand for at least one academic year; or 
ii. a two year qualification at level 4 to 6 on the New Zealand Qualification Framework and studied that qualification in New Zealand for at least two academic years; or 
iii. two qualifications at levels 4 to 6 on the New Zealand Qualification Framework that each required at least one academic year study in New Zealand, provided the second qualification is at a higher level (two years study in New Zealand in total). 
  
Note: an academic year means a minimum of two semesters during a period of at least eight months study. 
  
c. An applicant will be exempt from (b) if they have successfully studied and completed in New Zealand a New Zealand qualification(s) that meets the requirements of (a) and: 
i. that qualification was gained before 2 April 2012; or 

ii. they had commenced a programme of study towards that New Zealand qualification on or before 1 April 2012.
  

Please ensure that all staff that process study to work visas are aware of the relevant qualification requirements in order to be eligible for a visa under WD1 or WD2.