[Brian]

I'm planning on moving to NZ on a student visa for about 2 years until I finish my degree, then possibly staying around and working after that. I've been able to find lots of information on how to obtain a student visa but not much about what happens after that other than the 20 hours/week part time work limit.

I caught the travel bug a few years ago and would like to continue to travel while I go to school, during breaks in the schedule. This would include going to Australia, back home to the USA, to Asia, etc. For the school I'm looking at, there are two week breaks in the middle of each trimester and the 4 month-long 3rd trimester is considered "optional" so there's the possibility of an extended trip.

My question is - are there any implications to this sort of thing, in terms of getting in/out of NZ or another country or that might affect an eventual application to become a permanent resident?

[xanctus]

Brian,
I have never been studying in NZ, however being a foreign students in your home country USA, as long as the has a valid visa (not expired) he/she can leave and re enter US as much as he/she wants.
However, I always advice by my advisor to consult with her before I leave the country. So in my opinion, I think you should contact your international students advisor and tell him/her what is your plan.

hope that helps.

[sweetpea]

Brian,

Check out this link, if you haven't before:

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/study/students/canistudyinnewzealand/allaboutvisasandpermits/studentvisaandpermit/workwhilestudying.htm

Rules about working while on a student visa changed in late May. You can now work full time during Christmas holidays, and 15 hours/week during the semester.

I wouldn't think it would be difficult to secure a job (and a work visa) after graduation.

I'm going there to study, and will probably office temp during the summers.

I wouldn't think it difficult to travel outside NZ during breaks.

Laura

[Brian]

Sweatpea - thanks. They actually just changed the number of hours you can work from 15 to 20, starting next month, along with a few other changes that should make it easier for us:
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/generalinformation/news/NewStudentPolicyFurtherDetails.htm

Xanctus: I'm not in school at the moment, so I have no advisor :( Mostly, I'm just trying to map out what courses I will need to take. If it's really no problem to leave for 3 months then I might be inclined to take advantage of that time to travel instead of taking more classes. Whether I take classes during the 3rd semester affects how I will plan things out.