Sushmita Lama came to New Zealand from Nepal to study Diploma in Hospitality Management level 5 and 6 in 2017. She completed her studies in 2019, got a Post Study Work Visa and successfully supported her husband’s partnership-based Visa. However, in 2021 while Sushmita was on a Post Study Work Visa she decided to upskill herself and study further. She approached Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd.(IANZ) for education and immigration related advice that could align with her goal of gaining Residency in New Zealand.
During the first interaction Sushmita appeared quite confused about which course she should pursue. She had no knowledge about the study courses/ programmes offered by the educational institutes in New Zealand and was depending on advise from our student counsellor to help her make the right decision. She had two requirements:
- First Requirement – She wanted a course that would make her eligible for a second Post Study Work visa
- Second Requirement – Her husband who was with her in New Zealand should be eligible to get a work visa.
Our Senior Licensed Immigration Advisers Vandana Rai had a discussion with Sushmita and understood her requirements. Vandana suggested that she apply for a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Management with Cross Credits/Recognition of Prior Learning.
The reason why she suggested her a Bachelor’s Degree was due to two reasons:
- First Reason – Relevent immigration instructions stipulate that a student is eligible for a second post-study work visa only if they opt for a higher qualification than the previous one.
- Second Reason – Bachelor of Applied Management is listed in the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) and therefore, her husband would be eligible for a work visa.
Bachelor’s degree is a 3-year course with 360 credits. Although Sushmita was happy to study this course but Vandana and her team strived to get her Recognition for her Prior Learning in New Zealand. As Sushmita did not have any qualifications in business management, it was a challenge to get her any cross credits. The Immigration Advisers NZ team applied to a couple of education providers, emphasizing her previous qualification. Finally, Sushmita got an offer letter to study Bachelor of Applied Management with seven papers cross credited, reducing her course duration by almost a year in addition to saving one year of tution fees. Also, the course offered her 300 hours of internship in the final year, which would help her get hands-on training and practical experience. Furthermore, Sushmita would be eligible for a second post-study work visa on completion of this course.
It was a challenging task for Vandana and her team to meet the client’s requirements, but they managed to do so. Immigration Advisers NZ Team always strives to meet the client’s expectations.
Outcome
Vandana Rai and her team’s effort and advocacy resulted in Sushmita being granted a second student visa for a course, on completion of which she would be eligible for her second Post Study Work Visa. Her husband too was granted a work visa as her dependent. Sushmita is now studying her course and is very happy is very grateful to Vandana Rai for guiding her in selecting the correct study pathway.
(The names of clients have been changed to protect their privacy.)
Disclaimer:
This article does not constitute immigration advice. Individuals need to seek personal advice from a licensed immigration adviser or lawyer to assess their unique situation.