Some of the key changes being introduced by Immigration New Zealand from July 2011

Some of the key changes being introduced by Immigration New Zealand from July 2011 include:

· Students will need to study in New Zealand for at least two years to qualify for Study to Work visas, unless they have postgraduate qualifications or credit-transferred bachelor's degrees. If a student is studying Graduate Diploma Level 7 and holds a bachelors degree from India, they are eligible for a work visa.

· Students who obtain a second, higher qualification at bachelor's degree or postgraduate level will be able to obtain a second Graduate Job Search visa, rather than just one.

Changes from March 2012

· Funds required by applicants for Graduate Job Search Visas will rise from $2,100 to $4,200.

· Funds required for student visa applicants will increase from the current $10,000 per year to $15,000 per year for courses 36 weeks or longer, or pro-rated at $1,250 per month for shorter courses (less prepaid living expenses).

Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category

· Applicants for residence can currently access points for recognised qualifications. From 25 July 2011, the points will be differentiated on the following basis:

QUALIFICATION (NQF)     CURRENT    FROM 25 JULY 2011

Levels 3-6                                         50                    40

Levels 7-8                                         50                    50

Levels 9-10                                       55                    60

· Applicants claiming bonus points for having obtained recognised New Zealand qualifications must have a bachelor's degree or above.

· Changes will also ensure that more former students who qualify for residence will be required to have a skilled job in New Zealand.