New Zealand•OceaniaPost Study Work Visa
At a Glance
4 weeks
NZD $1,670
3 years
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Open work visa for international graduates of NZ qualifications, up to 3 years, with a pathway to residence via the Skilled Migrant Category.
Immigration New Zealand's Post Study Work Visa lets graduates of approved NZ qualifications stay on to gain local work experience. Applicants must have completed an NZQF Level 7 degree or higher full-time for 30+ weeks in NZ, or a qualifying Level 7-or-lower qualification, with NZD 5,000 in funds and standard health and character checks.
Duration is up to 3 years: degree-level graduates typically get 3 years of open work rights, while sub-degree holders receive a visa matching their study length and must work in a field-related job. The fee is NZD 1,670 with 80% of decisions in 5.5 weeks. It is granted once; partners may apply for work visas and children for domestic-rate study, with residence via the Skilled Migrant Category.
This visa is ideal for international graduates of NZ universities in healthcare, engineering, IT or trades seeking three years of open work rights to build local experience and pivot to residence.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 3 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
New ZealandSMC — Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must have recently completed a qualifying qualification in New Zealand
Qualification must be at NZQF Level 7 or above (degree level) OR a non-degree Level 7 or below qualification on the qualifying list
Must have studied full-time in New Zealand for the required duration (e.g., 30 weeks for Level 7+)
Must apply within the specified timeframe after student visa expiry
Must have at least NZD $5,000 available for living expenses
Must meet health and character requirements
Must have a genuine reason for coming to New Zealand
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Min. Savings
5,000 NZD
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport or certificate of identity
Passport-sized photographs
Proof of qualification (official certificate, academic transcript, or completion letter)
Evidence of at least NZD $5,000 in personal funds
Medical and chest X-ray certificates (if required)
Police certificates (if required)
Evidence of medical insurance (if visa is granted for less than 2 years)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Open work rights — work for any employer, anywhere in NZ, in any lawful role (for degree-level qualifications)
- Up to 3 years of stay for bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates
- Clear pathway to permanent residence via the Skilled Migrant Category
- Partner can apply for an open work visa for the same duration
- Dependent children can study as domestic students at NZ schools
- Modest fee of NZD 1,670 relative to other skilled-migration routes
- Fast decisions — 80% of applications finalised within 5.5 weeks
- No employer sponsorship or job offer needed before applying for degree-level holders
Worth Knowing
- Granted only once per person — cannot be renewed or re-applied for
- Must apply within 3 months of student-visa expiry (6 months for Doctorate, 12 months for consecutive-qualification cases)
- Sub-degree (Level 7-or-lower) holders must take a job related to what they studied
- Requires NZD 5,000 in personal funds for living expenses
- Length is capped by qualification level — sub-degree visas match study duration, not 3 years
- No qualifying NZ qualification, or studied fully online or part-time from offshore
- Already held a Post Study Work Visa previously
- Application lodged after the post-study window (typically 3 months) has closed
Application Process
Complete a qualifying NZ qualification (NZQF Level 7 degree+ studied full-time 30+ weeks, or qualifying sub-degree on the PSWV list)
Apply within the window after your student visa expires
3 months (most), 6 months (Doctorate), or up to 12 months for consecutive-qualification cases
Create or sign in to a RealMe account and complete the Post Study Work Visa application online
Upload supporting documents
passport, qualification certificate, academic transcript or provider completion letter, and evidence of NZD 5,000 funds
Pay the NZD 1,670 visa fee (and IVL where applicable) by 3D Secure card
Await decision — 80% of applications are processed within 5.5 weeks
Application Forms
| Post Study Work Visa Application | — |
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