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New Zealand: Visa Guides

How to apply for a post-study work visa in New Zealand

Are you thinking about working in New Zealand as an international graduate? Our detailed guide to post-study visa options has you covered.

post study work visa New Zealand

When you decide to study abroad, one of your first questions might be, 'How long can I stay after graduating?' In New Zealand, renowned for its exceptional quality of life and dynamic job market, you will be pleased to learn that you can benefit from some of the best post-study work rights in the world.

 

In this article, we explore the various post-study visa options available in New Zealand and walk you through the application process.

 

Table of contents

  1. What is a New Zealand post-study work visa?
  2. Who can apply for a New Zealand post-study work visa?
  3. How long can you stay in New Zealand under a post-study work visa?
  4. What are the rules for the New Zealand post-study work visa?
  5. When to apply for your New Zealand post-study work visa
  6. The cost of a New Zealand post-study work visa
  7. Documents you need when applying for your New Zealand post-study work visa
  8. Completing your New Zealand post-study visa application
  9. What other New Zealand work visas are there?

 

What is a New Zealand post-study work visa?

The post-study work visa is available for recent international graduates intending to start a career in New Zealand. Depending on your qualifications, you can live and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years under a post-study work visa.

 

Who can apply for a New Zealand post-study work visa?

You can apply for a post-study work visa if you have recently completed a degree NZQF level 7 or above qualification in New Zealand. You are also eligible if you studied a non-degree level 7 or below qualification on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post Study Work Visa list.

 

If you obtained a non-degree level 7 or below qualification, you must take up a job relevant to the course you studied.

 

If you submitted your student visa application on or before 11 May 2022

Suppose you applied for your New Zealand student visa on or before 11 May 2022. In that case, you might still qualify for a post-study work visa, even if your qualification is not on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa list. However, your qualification must meet certain criteria to be considered acceptable.

 

International students who submitted their student visa applications on or before 11 May 2022 can apply for a post-study work visa if they had studied in New Zealand and graduated with:

 

  • A qualification at NZQF level 7 or higher that took at least 30 weeks to complete;
  • A qualification at NZQF levels 4, 5 or 6 that took no less than 60 weeks to complete; or
  • Two qualifications that involve no less than 30 weeks of study respectively (your second qualification has to have a higher NZQF level than the first)

 

To understand more about the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQCF) levels, check out the New Zealand Qualifications Authority website.

 

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you do not need to apply for any visa to work and live in New Zealand.

 

As long as you meet the character and entry permission requirements, you will be granted an Australian resident visa at the New Zealand border upon your arrival. This visa will allow you to live, work and study in New Zealand.

 

How long can you stay in New Zealand under a post-study work visa?

You can remain in New Zealand for up to 3 years on a post-study work visa. 

 

The exact period you can stay in New Zealand on a post-study work visa depends on your qualification level. If you completed a master's or doctoral-level qualification and studied for 30 weeks or more, your post-study work visa will allow you to live and work in New Zealand for 3 years.

 

If your qualification is at NZQF level 8 or below, the length of your work visa will match the duration of your study. For instance, if your study programme is planned to last 32 weeks, your post-study work visa will have a validity period of 32 weeks.

 

You cannot extend your visa if you fail a course or take longer than expected to finish your studies. If there is a difference between the actual length of your course and what was initially planned, Immigration New Zealand might ask your education provider for more details.

 

If you applied for your student visa on or before 11 May 2022, you are qualified for a post-study work visa for no more than 3 years if your student visa application was subsequently accepted.

 

What are the rules for the New Zealand post-study work visa?

As a holder of a New Zealand post-study work visa with a qualification at degree level 7 or above, you have the flexibility to work in almost any job for any employer across New Zealand.

 

If your qualification is at non-degree level 7 or below, your employment must be relevant to your field of study under the Post-Study Work Visa. This requirement does not apply if you applied for your student visa on or before 11 May 2022.

 

You must obtain medical insurance if your visa is granted for less than 2 years. For visas of 2 years or more, you will be eligible for publicly funded healthcare services.

 

It's important to note that each visa application is assessed individually, and additional conditions may apply based on your circumstances.

 

When to apply for your New Zealand post-study work visa

You must apply for your New Zealand post-study work visa:

 

  • No later than 3 months after your student visa expires; or
  • No later than 6 months after your visa ends if it was granted so you could complete a doctoral degree

 

The cost of a New Zealand post-study work visa

If you submit your application online, the cost of a New Zealand post-study work visa starts from NZD 700. A paper application will cost slightly more, and you will be subject to additional receiving centre fees. Find out how much your post-study work visa will cost using the fee finder on the Immigration New Zealand website.

 

You must also prove that you have access to at least NZD 5,000 when you apply. Additional documents, such as a police certificate, may be required.

 

You will need to be able to afford to support yourself when you are in New Zealand. Don’t forget to consider costs like rent, utility bills, medical insurance (if applicable) and transport when budgeting. You may find our article about the student cost of living in New Zealand helpful. 

 

Documents you need when applying for your New Zealand post-study work visa

When applying for your New Zealand post-study work visa, you will need:

 

  • Your passport or certificate of identity
  • Evidence of the qualification you have obtained, either:
    • A copy of your qualification; or
    • A letter or academic transcript from your education provider confirming you have completed your qualification
  • Evidence (e.g. bank statements) that you have at least NZD 5,000 available to you
  • A passport photo of yourself (if you submit a paper application, you will need 2 photos)

 

Depending on your circumstances, you might also need to provide:

 

  • A police certificate proving you are of good character
  • Evidence you are in good health, such as a chest X-ray or a medical examination report

 

Completing your New Zealand post-study visa application

You can apply for your post-study work visa online or on paper. Make sure you have your credit or debit card ready to pay the fees associated with your application. If you apply on paper, you must send your completed application form to your local receiving centre.

 

What happens after you apply?

In most cases, applicants receive a decision about their New Zealand post-study work visa applications within 51 days. Immigration New Zealand states that 80% of post-study work visa applications are processed within 6 weeks

 

What other New Zealand work visas are there?

Are you interested in learning about other available work visas in New Zealand? The table below outlines some options. 

 

You may find one of these visas more suitable for you than a post-study work visa, or you may choose to switch to one of these after your post-study work visa expires. It is always a good idea to fully understand your options.

 

Visa type

Eligible applicants

Length

Accredited Employer Work Visa

Individuals with a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand

Up to 5 years

Working holiday visa

Individuals aged 18-30 who wish to work and travel in New Zealand

12-36 months

 

Don’t forget

Remember to check your visa dates and conditions when you receive it – these will inform you about what you can and cannot do in New Zealand.

 

If you believe there is an error on your visa, you must contact Immigration New Zealand to have it corrected.

 

You can further explore studying in New Zealand by using the search tool at the bottom of this page to find study programmes and universities in the country.

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