Understanding Post-Study Work Visas in New Zealand

An NZ Post-Study Work Visa enables international students in New Zealand to continue staying and working there after they have completed their intended study program and earned a degree from a recognised education provider in the country.

A post-study visa in New Zealand is typically an open work visa, allowing you to work for any employer in the country. The average duration of the visa is generally 3 years; however, this may vary depending on the qualification you pursue and the institution you choose to study at. 

A New Zealand post-study visa also often serves as a pathway to permanent residency for graduates, particularly those aspiring for skilled employment in the country.  

All international students who have completed a qualification from a recognised education provider in New Zealand are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa for NZ. In addition to this, some of the other key criteria for eligibility for a post-study work visa in NZ are detailed below:

• A Bachelors degree, a Postgraduate Diploma, a Masters degree, a PhD, or an overseas equivalent of any of these qualifications

• Good health certificate

• Genuine reason and intent to study in New Zealand

• Certificate of good character

• Proof of sufficient finances to study in New Zealand

The new Post-Study Work Visa rules in New Zealand provide for a single visa for all graduates. All one-year and two-year work visas have been replaced with a single, three-year open work visa. Before applying for a visa to continue staying and working in New Zealand, it is essential to learn its rules. This helps to clarify the subject and ensures that you meet the criteria required to apply for the visa. 

Listed below are the old rules as well as the recent updates to the post-study work visa options in the country for international students, for your easy reference:

_{Related Source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/}

To apply for a post-study work visa, you must have a full-time degree pursued for at least 30 weeks from a recognised New Zealand study institution. Some of the key qualifications for a Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand are as follows:

• A full-time level 7 degree for a minimum duration of 30 weeks from a New Zealand university 

• A full-time degree at level 8-10 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework for at least 30 weeks from an NZ university

• A non-degree level 4-7 qualification pursued full-time in New Zealand and figures on the list of eligible qualifications for a New Zealand graduate visa.  

_{Related Source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/#info-panel-277}

To apply for a post-study work visa, you must first secure an eligible qualification, fill out the application form, attach the required documents, and submit the application. Listed below is the exact step-by-step procedure on how to apply for a post-study work visa in NZ:

• Obtain a qualification: The first step is to complete your qualification from a recognised New Zealand education provider. 

• Gather all necessary documents: Next, gather all the documents required for submission to the PSWV. You must submit copies of all original documents (detailed below).

• Fill out the application: Complete the provided application form with the required details and attach all necessary documents before submitting it.

• Apply: When you’re ready, submit the completed application form either online or in person. Additionally, you must pay the required application fee at this stage. Wait for your application to be processed, which may take 2-3 weeks. 

_{Related Source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/waiting-for-a-visa/processing-a-visa-application/how-long-it-takes-to-process-an-application/work-visa-wait-times/}

Documents Required to Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand

One of the key documents to submit as part of the New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa requirements is proof of the degree or qualification you secured in the country. Listed below are the other documents required:

• Proof of the degree or qualification you secured in New Zealand

• Copy of a valid passport or proof of identity 

• Recent passport-sized photographs

• Police certificate, if required 

• Any other documents required as part of the Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand requirements 

Fees to Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand

The Post-Study Work Visa NZ application fee is estimated at NZD 1,670 (approx). The figure is indicative and subject to variation over time, as well as at the discretion of New Zealand immigration authorities. It is advisable to always check the actual New Zealand Post-Study Visa cost at the time of visa application.  

_{Related Source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/#:~:text=Work%20visa%20application,-You%20must%20apply&text=You%20must%}

The average duration of the New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa is up to 3 years for valid visa holders. This means that anyone holding this visa is permitted to stay in New Zealand and work in the country for a total of three years. The eligible Post-Study Work Visa duration in New Zealand depends on the level of qualification held and the total time spent securing it.

Note: IDP Education consultants can assist international graduates in New Zealand with applying for a Post-Study Work Visa to continue staying and working in the country. Speak to our experts to know how! 

_{Related Source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/} 

1. Is a job offer needed to get an NZ post-study visa?

No, you don’t need a prior job offer to apply for and obtain a Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand. The visa permits international students to work for any employer in any job after completing their course in New Zealand.

2. How long is a New Zealand post-study work visa valid for?

The average duration of the visa is up to 3 years. However, it may depend on the level of qualification obtained by the visa holder.

3. Can I stay in NZ after my student visa ends?

No, it is generally not permitted to remain in the country after your visa has expired, unless you have applied for and been granted another visa.

4. What are the benefits of post-study work visas in New Zealand?

A Post-Study Work Visa allows international graduates who completed a study program and obtained a level of qualification from a recognised New Zealand university to continue staying in the country and work for up to 3 years.

5. How long must I study to qualify for a work visa in New Zealand?

The general requirement is completion of at least 30 weeks of a level of qualification in New Zealand to be considered eligible for applying for a Post-Study Work Visa.

6. What happens after a post-study work visa expires?

In the event that your visa duration expires, you are required to return to your home country. Alternatively, you may apply for another visa that allows you to stay in the country lawfully.