[dipto]

Hi all,

could you please suggest me the benifits I may get for NZ immigration purpose -if I complete a technology based Masters Degree from a NZ university.

I mean after completion of the degree:
a. do I get a work permit? if so for how long.
b. how many points can I claim for having a NZ degree in EOI
c. any other benifit?

cheers.

dipto

[jaycee]

Hi Dipto, Glad to see you haven't given up :)

At the end of your course you can get a Graduate Job Search Work Permit, which lasts for 6 months, provided your qualification would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category (i.e. it is at a high enough level), or it involved three years' full-time study. You don't have to have a job offer, but you do need to prove that you have funds to support yourself.

If you can get an offer of employment that is relevant to your qualification, you can apply for a two year work permit (or residence if you have enough points).

A qualification attained in New Zealand will earn 10 bonus points, but it has to involve at least two years' study in NZ - I'm not sure if that has to be full-time.

Another potential advantage, should you ever apply for residency, is that if you complete two years' full-time study and get a Masters degree or a qualification in a skills shortage area, you will meet the settlement requirements. That should mean avoiding an interview, and reduce the chance of being offered WTR instead of PR.

By the way this is exactly what I am intending to do (although to study at undergraduate level) - so if you have any other questions please fire away! It seems you and I must be thinking alike - get there by any possible route :D

[dipto]

Hi Jaycee

thanks for replying. you are right-I am not going to give up.
But my problem is that I already have a recognized Masters degree and I don't wan't to commit 2 more years for another Masters.

I think a good lawyer may get me through with my current status. I am searching for one specializing in dealing with clients from 'non-comparable' labour markets.

thanks again

dipto