2013-Apr 19: WD Applications

Visa Pak 108 - Information about accepting work applications under WD Instructions

Visa Paks

19 April 2013

WD Applications

Operations Support has become aware of a number of Graduate Job Search or Graduate Work Experience visas (WD visas) that have been granted to clients who have not completed a qualification that meets the requirements for either visa. This has been the case for clients who have completed a level four qualification that is not a National Certificate or a New Zealand Certificate.

Immigration Instructions for both the WD visas state that the “Applicants must have successfully completed a New Zealand qualification(s) that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category” (SMC) (WD2 and WD1.10).

SMC specifically excludes level four qualifications that are not a National Certificate or a New Zealand Certificate (SM 14.10.5). Immigration officers should never grant a WD visa based on a level 4 qualification that is not a National Certificate or a New Zealand Certificate. However, if the client has gone on to complete a further qualification that qualifies for SMC points then a WD could be granted on that basis.

The consequence for these clients is the expectation that they are on a pathway to residence, when in reality they will not meet SMC instructions.