WD1 Post-study work visa – employer assisted (to 25/11/2018)

1. To be eligible for a work visa under these instructions, applicants must:
   1. have successfully completed a qualification(s) that meet the qualification requirements as set out in WD1.10; and
   2. hold an offer of full-time employment relevant to that qualification (see WD1.5); and
   3. if they were a New Zealand Aid Programme-supported student, meet requirements set out at U11.1(d).
2. A work visa may be granted for a maximum of 2 years to obtain practical work experience relevant to the applicant's programme of study or qualification, unless (c) below applies.
3. A work visa may be granted for a maximum period of 3 years if:
   1. the applicant is working towards membership or registration with a New Zealand professional association which requires more than two years of practical work experience; and
   2. such membership or registration is a requirement for the person to fully perform their professional duties; and
   3. the applicant provides evidence the employment is considered relevant practical experience by the professional association, including but not limited to documentation from the professional association, or from the employer, stating how the employment meets the requirements set by the professional association; and
   4. the applicant has completed a New Zealand qualification which meets the requirements for registration or membership of the professional association.
4. To be granted a work visa under these instructions, applicants must:
   1. apply no later than 3 months after the end date of their student visa for that programme of study or qualification or, if the qualification was a Doctoral Degree, no later than 6 months after the end date of their student visa; or
   2. hold a 'graduate job search work visa’ or a ‘post-study work visa – open’ (see WD2).

      Note: A person must have successfully completed the programme of study or qualification stated as a condition on their student visa in order to meet the requirements of WD1(d)i.

5. Applicants must provide:
   1. a completed work application form, fee and immigration levy; and
   2. evidence of an offer of full-time employment relevant to their programme of study or qualification (see WD1.5); and
   3. evidence that they meet the requirements in WD1(a); and
   4. an Employer Supplementary Form (INZ 1113) completed by their employer.
6. Applicants must also provide:
   1. evidence that the work visa application is being made no later than 3 months after the end date of their student visa for that programme of study or qualification; or
   2. evidence that they hold a 'graduate job search work visa’ (see WD2).
7. A work visa will only be granted where an immigration officer is satisfied that the offer of full-time employment is one which will provide practical experience relevant to the applicant's programme of study or qualification.
8. Any work visas granted under these instructions may be subject to any or all of the conditions as listed at W2.25.
9. All job offers must be consistent with employment law and made by employers who have a history of compliance with employment law, including employment standards (see W2.10.15).

Effective 01/04/2017