New Zealand · Work Visas

Post Study Work Visa

Allows international graduates who have completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand to work for any employer in New Zealand for up to 3 years.

Who it suits

Who this pathway suits

Graduates of New Zealand degree, postgraduate, and master's/doctoral programs.

Eligibility

Eligibility at a glance

  • Completed an eligible full-time qualification (Bachelor's degree or higher, or non-degree on Qualifications Eligible for a Post-study Work Visa list)
  • Apply within 3 months of student visa expiry (or 6 months if completing a doctorate)
  • Proof of NZD $5,000 maintenance funds
Process

How the process works

  1. Complete qualification
  2. Apply online with completion letter and academic transcript
  3. Open work visa issued for 1 to 3 years
Documents

Documents you will typically need

  • Completion letter, academic transcript, bank statement showing NZD $5,000, passport
Good to know

What to keep in mind

Degree graduates (Level 7+) receive an open work visa with unrestricted employer and occupation choice.

Official source: Immigration New Zealand — Post Study Work Visa. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.

Ecosystem Architecture

Parallel Options & Supporting Tools for Post Study Work Visa

Explore supporting intelligence briefings, interactive points assessment tools, institutional services, and parallel global migration pathways.

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Is Post Study Work Visa the right route for you?

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