Canada, New Zealand, and Australia Amend Post-Graduation Work Permit Laws
Students from across the globe, including Nigeria, seeking higher education opportunities in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia may face new challenges as these countries unveil changes to their post-graduation work permit regulations. The adjustments aim to combat the practice of ‘flagpoling,’ where temporary residents exit and re-enter a country promptly to secure immediate immigration or permit services, bypassing the usual waiting periods associated with work or study permit applications online.
Canada Tightens Post-Graduation Work Permit Process
In an initiative to address the flagpoling issue, the Canadian government has announced significant changes that will affect foreign nationals’ chances of acquiring a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. Starting June 21, 2024, individuals will be prohibited from applying for PGWPs at Canadian borders. This move, as reported by Financial Express, may introduce delays in the processing of work permits, potentially affecting graduates’ ability to commence employment post-graduation.
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New Zealand Sets Restrictions on Work Permit Eligibility
Concurrently, New Zealand introduces tighter controls over its Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. Specific to individuals holding AEWVs in occupations categorized under levels 4 or 5 of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) without a clear pathway to residency, the new mandate restricts their ability to sponsor visa applications for their dependents. Immigration New Zealand’s official website communicates that these changes align with a broader amendment aimed at reverting to conditions similar to the prior Essential Skills Work Visa.
Despite the restrictions, the New Zealand government assures that AEWV holders meeting certain criteria will not be affected. These criteria include: individuals already possessing visas as dependents, those in level 4 and 5 roles with established routes to residency, and individuals earning significantly above the average salary threshold. Furthermore, the new conditions, effective from June 26, do not impede the eligibility of partners and dependent children of AEWV holders from applying for their respective New Zealand visas, provided all requirements are satisfied.
Australia Implements Changes Affecting Student Visa Applications
In a similar vein, Australia has announced alterations to student visa application processes for individuals currently on visitor visas, temporary graduate visas, among others. As per the new regulation, such visa holders are no longer eligible to apply for student visas within Australia. However, the Australian government has clarified that student visa applications submitted domestically before July 1, 2024, will still be processed under the former guidelines.
These changes underscore the Australian government’s stance that temporary graduates seeking extended stays should explore employment opportunities leading to employer-sponsored visas or permanent residency instead of relying on student visas for prolonged stay.
Impact on Global Students
The revisions introduced by Canada, New Zealand, and Australia are poised to reshape the landscape for international students. These changes, while aimed at enhancing the integrity of immigration and visa processes, may present new hurdles for students aspiring for international education and subsequent work opportunities in these countries. Applicants are encouraged to stay informed about the changing regulations and plan accordingly to ensure compliance and secure their educational and professional futures abroad.
