Auckland (Kanwalpreet Kaur)
"In-study and post-study work rights policy review," NZ Punjabi News
conversation with the Sector Strategy Manager, INZ
The Sector Strategy Manager, Immigration New Zealand, Celia Coombes, held an
agent webinar in May 2021. During the webinar, she indicated the policy review
possibilities for the in-study and post-study work rights.
Celia Coombes, Sector Strategy Manager, INZ, said, "There will be a review of Post
Study Work Visas and Student work rights later in 2021. We will also look at the
groups of people who have been unable to use their PSWV because they were
caught by the border closure."
Her statement on the post-study work visa holders who have not been able to use
their visas was significant; therefore, NZ Punjabi News had several conversations
with her for further updates.
Celia Coombes responded, "Within the context of the Government's immigration
rebalance work, in-study work rights and post study work rights policy settings for
international students will be reviewed in 2021. The review period will also enable
officials to consider the situation of graduates who held post-study work visas but
who were offshore when the New Zealand border closed and unable to return to
New Zealand".
When asked for those whose visas are already expired or may expire until the review
happens. Celia Coombes replied, "Immigration New Zealand, and education
providers, receive regular queries from post study work visa holders who are outside
of New Zealand and who are concerned about their visa expiring. The policy review
is the right place to explore post study work visa holders offshore. For clarity
however, there are no indications what, if any, changes would take place for these
graduates and there may be no change to their visa".
NZ Punjabi News particularly asked if the review will include all in-study and poststudy work visa holders who are stuck offshore due to borders closure, 'all' means
'all nationalities including India.'
Celia Coombes confirmed, "The in-study and post study work rights policy review
covers all nationalities."
When asked about the expected timeframe and invited for the interview, Celia
Coombes answered, "The issue at the moment, though, is that we don't have many
updates on the post-study work as the review has not really commenced. It would
probably be best to wait for a couple of months until we have some direction from the
Minister around this".
Celia's portfolio is International Education. This information is up-to-date as of 17
August 2021.