Post Study Work Visa for New Zealand – Gain Work Experience After Graduation
Finished studying in New Zealand? A Post Study Work Visa lets you stay and gain valuable work experience after completing your qualification. Depending on what you studied, you can work in New Zealand for up to three years, which you can use as a pathway to residence. We’ll help you understand the requirements and submit a strong application before your student visa expires.
01. Introduction
The Post Study Work Visa allows you to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years after completing your studies, depending on your qualification level and how long you studied. This visa gives you the opportunity to gain practical work experience, build your career, and potentially pursue residence in New Zealand.
If you have a degree level 7 or higher qualification, you can work for any employer in any job. If you have a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification, you must work in a job related to what you studied. Your partner may also be eligible for a Work Visa, and Dependent Child Visas enable your children to study as domestic students.
02. Who can apply for a Post Study Work Visa in NZ?
To qualify for a Post Study Work Visa, you must have recently completed study in New Zealand and meet these requirements:
Qualification requirements: You must have either a degree level 7 or higher qualification (level 8 Postgraduate Diploma, level 9 Masters degree, or level 10 Doctoral degree), or a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification that appears on the list of qualifications eligible for a Post Study Work Visa.
If you studied a degree level 7 or higher qualification, it must have been full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand. If you studied a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification, your study must have been full-time in New Zealand for the full duration required to gain the qualification, and the job you take must be related to what you studied.
Application timing: You must apply no later than three months after your Student Visa expires. If you completed a Doctoral degree, you have six months after your Student Visa expires to apply. If you completed an eligible qualification and then immediately completed a higher-level qualification in less than 30 weeks, you can apply based on your first qualification within 12 months of that visa expiring.
Financial requirements: You must have at least NZD $5,000 to support your living expenses during your stay.
Other requirements: You must also meet standard health and character requirements, have genuine intentions, and have a valid passport.
The requirements are detailed and timing is critical. Licensed advisers can assess your qualification, ensure you’re applying within the correct timeframe, and help you prepare all required documentation.
Book a free consultation to discuss your eligibility.
03. How long can you stay?
You can stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on the level of your qualification and how long you spent studying for it. The exact duration granted will be specified on your visa.
Important: You can only have this visa once. Make the most of this opportunity to gain valuable work experience and potentially transition to a Residence Visa.
04. What can you do on a Post Study Work Visa?
Work rights: If you have a degree level 7 or higher qualification, you can work for any employer in any job. If you have a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification on the approved list, you must work in a job related to what you studied; this will be specified in your visa conditions.
You cannot provide commercial sexual services or operate a business providing such services.
Study rights: You can study for up to three months in any 12-month period. If your employer requires longer study as part of your employment, you may be able to vary your visa conditions.
Family members: Your partner can apply for a Work Visa, and Dependent Child Visas are available for children under 19 who are financially dependent on you to study as domestic students in New Zealand.
05. Required documents
You’ll need to provide:
Identity and qualification proof:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure)
- 1-2 acceptable photos depending on application method
- Copy of your New Zealand qualification, academic transcript, or letter from your education provider confirming completion
Financial proof:
- Bank statements in your name showing at least NZD $5,000
Character and health (if required):
- Police certificates (if you’re 17 or older and your total time in NZ will be 24 months or longer)
- Medical examination or chest X-ray (if staying more than 6-12 months and from certain countries)
All non-English documents must include certified English translations.
Missing or incomplete documentation are common causes for application delays. Our advisers review applications thoroughly before submission to ensure everything is correct and complete.
Application fee: From NZD $1,670
Processing time: 80% of applications are processed within three weeks, though individual circumstances and incomplete applications can cause delays.
Our service: Timing is critical with Post Study Work Visas – you must apply before your Student Visa expires. Our fees for Post Study Work Visa application support ranges from NZD$XXX to $XXX. Working with our licensed advisers will ensure you meet all deadlines, prepare complete documentation, and maximise your chances of approval.
No surprises: We’re transparent about total costs, realistic timeframes, and your likelihood of approval from the start.
Book a free consultation to discuss your post-study work plans and how we can help you transition from student to worker in New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Post Study Work Visa?
Who is eligible for a Post Study Work Visa?
How long can I work in New Zealand on this visa?
When should I apply for a Post Study Work Visa?
Can my family join me on a Post Study Work Visa?
What documents do I need for a Post Study Work Visa?
