Work visa changes imminent

A Government announcement on its overhaul of the international student work visa scheme is imminent.

In an effort to stamp out exploitation, Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway proposed removing the requirement for post-study work visas to be sponsored by a particular employer.

It would also limit the length of post-study work visas for courses below degree level to one year, and remove post-study work rights for courses of less than two years in duration. Graduates could apply for other visas at the end of their post-study work visa but would need to meet the skills and labour market tests.

There would also be a requirement for international students studying level eight or nine qualifications to be in an area specified in the Long Term Skills Shortage List in order for their partner to be eligible for an open work visa, and in turn the partner’s dependent children to be eligible for fee-free compulsory schooling.

The proposals came under fire from the National Party and international education providers.

Concerns were raised that under the plan to limit post-study work rights, 44,000 fewer students might come to New Zealand each year, a drop of more than a third that would cost the economy more than $1 billion a year.

The proposals are understood to have been revised after 2000 public submissions were received.

Lees-Galloway has not given any details of potential changes but last week said they would demonstrate that the Government had listened. It is understood he will make an announcement today.