Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand | IDP Vietnam

Graduation is a huge milestone for any student. While it marks the end of your academic journey, it also signals a new beginning and the official launch of your professional career. Whether you’re reaching the end of your degree and wondering about your next steps or you’re still thinking about studying in New Zealand, there are excellent pathways available within the country to launch a rewarding career. This guide covers everything you need to know about the post-graduate work permit, the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV), from eligibility to long-term residency.

*Please note that IDP does not provide post-study work visas for students.

The Post Study Work Visa is a temporary work visa issued by Immigration New Zealand. It is designed to allow international students who have completed a qualification in the country to:

• Stay and work in the country for up to 3 years (depending on the level of your qualification and the duration of your studies)

• Work for any employer in any job (if you have a degree-level 7 or higher qualification)

• Work for an employer in a job that meets specific requirements (if you hold a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification)

• Support visas for a partner and dependent children

You can only hold the Post Study Work Visa once after you’ve completed your studies. As mentioned above, the validity depends on your specific qualification level and study duration. Here is a general overview of the visa durations:

Study requirements

To be eligible for the Post Study Work Visa, you must

• Have successfully completed a degree-level 7 or higher qualification

• Have studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks

If you have a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification, you can still apply for this post-graduate work permit if your qualification is on the list of eligible qualifications. However, you must intend to work in a job related to your field of study and apply within the required timeframe.

Visa and enrollment conditions

You must also meet standard personal requirements, including:

• Being in good health and of good character

• Having a genuine intention to work and stay temporarily

• Having enough money to support your expenses while you look for work (usually NZD$5,000)

• Having not previously held a Post Study Work Visa

Application timing

You must apply for the Post Study Work Visa no later than 3 months after your student visa expires. If you completed a Bachelor’s degree followed immediately by an Honours or Postgraduate Diploma under consecutive visas, you must apply within 3 months of the second qualification’s end date. For those who have completed a Doctoral or Master’s degree, you have up to 6 months after your student visa expires to apply.

If you complete an eligible qualification and immediately follow it with a higher-level course of less than 30 weeks (which is not eligible for the Post Study Work Visa), you can apply based on the first qualification up to 12 months after that initial student visa expires.

If you have completed a degree at Level 7 or higher, such as a Bachelor’s degree or a Postgraduate Diploma, you will generally be granted “open” work rights. This means you can work for any employer in any role, whether it is full-time, part-time, or casual, across any industry in New Zealand, without needing a specific job offer to apply.

However, if you hold a non-degree qualification at Level 7 or below, such as certain diplomas or certificates, your work must be directly related to the subject you studied.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

Review your qualification level and study duration against the Immigration New Zealand requirements to ensure you qualify.

Step 2: Gather your documents

You will need to prepare:

• A copy of your passport (certified if applying on paper)

• One acceptable digital photo for online applications (two for paper)

• Evidence of your qualification and completion from your institution

• Police certificates if required (with English translations)

• Proof of funds (NZD$5,000)

• Required forms such as the Work Visa Application (INZ 1015)

Depending on your nationality, additional documents may be required. Always verify with the official Immigration New Zealand website.

Step 3: Submit your application

You can apply for the Post Study Work Visa online or via paper. Applying online is generally faster. Simply create an account on the Immigration New Zealand website or log in to your existing account, fill in the details, and pay the fee. Paper applications must be posted to the relevant receiving centre based on your location.

Step 4: Wait for a decision

Processing times vary, but currently, 80% of applications are completed within 4.5 weeks of submission.

Step 5: Receive your visa and start working

Your visa becomes valid the moment you enter New Zealand (if applying from offshore) or the date of approval if you are already in the country.

The cost depends on your location and application method. If applying online or on paper while inside New Zealand, the fee is NZD$1,670. If applying from overseas, you may need to pay additional VAC Service and Courier fees, which vary by region.

Apply for permanent residency

If you wish to make New Zealand your permanent home, the experience gained on your Post Study Work Visa can lead to residency via the Green List pathways:

• Straight to Residence Visa (Tier 1): If you secure a role in a Tier 1 in-demand job (like an External Auditor or Engineer) with an accredited employer, you can apply for residency immediately.

• Work to Residence Visa (Tier 2): For Tier 2 roles, you can apply for residency after completing 24 months of relevant work in New Zealand.

After holding a resident visa for two years and demonstrating a commitment to the country, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which allows you to stay and travel indefinitely. Note that all applicants must meet age, health, character, and English language requirements such as IELTS.

Employer-sponsored route

There are also other work visas that allow you to extend your stay if you do not yet meet residency criteria. The most common is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to five years, depending on your role’s skill level and pay. Additionally, there are country-specific work visas and specialised permits for sectors like seasonal work or entertainment, each with its own validity periods and specific conditions.

Further your studies

If you wish to stay in New Zealand after your Post Study Work Visa expires, you can always further your studies. Many students opt to pursue a Master’s degree or a PhD after completing their Bachelor’s degree. By enrolling in a higher-level qualification, you can apply for a new student visa, which may eventually lead to new career prospects in the local market.

Want to kickstart your career in New Zealand bot don’t know where to start? IDP offers free counselling to help students realise their study abroad dreams. Whether you want to study in Dunedin or study in Auckland, we guide you through every step from choosing the right course and university to navigating your post-graduation career path. Book your free consultation today!