Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand

Start your career journey in New Zealand after graduation.

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About the Post-Study Work Visa

This visa is designed for graduates who have studied in New Zealand and want to gain work experience relevant to their qualification. It is open work visa, which means you can work for any employer and in almost any job, unless specified otherwise.

📌 Key Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must:

  • Have completed an eligible qualification at Level 7 or above, or a Level 4–6 qualification that is specifically listed as eligible

  • Have studied full-time in New Zealand for a minimum period as required by Immigration New Zealand (INZ)

  • Hold a valid student visa with the condition that you studied an approved programme

  • Apply for the visa within 3 months (or 6 months for PhD students) of your student visa expiring

ℹ️ Note: Your qualification must be from a New Zealand education provider that is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.

⏳ Duration of the Visa

Qualification TypeDuration of Post-Study Work VisaBachelor’s Degree or higher (Level 7–10)Up to 3 yearsLevel 7 Graduate DiplomaUp to 1 yearLevel 4–6 Diplomas (if eligible)Up to 1 year

The duration is based on the level and length of your qualification and whether it was studied in New Zealand.

💼 What You Can Do on This Visa

  • Work full-time in New Zealand for any employer

  • Gain relevant work experience aligned with your field of study

  • Use your work experience to apply for a residence visa, including the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List Work to Residence

  • Your partner may be eligible for a work visa, and your dependent children may qualify for student visas (subject to conditions)

⚠️ Important Conditions

  • You can only be granted one Post-Study Work Visa per lifetime (unless you complete a higher qualification that meets current policy)

  • You must remain in New Zealand while your application is being processed

  • Some qualifications may have location- or occupation-based restrictions, especially for Level 4–6 qualifications

The Post-Study Work Visa allows international students who have completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand to stay and work in the country, gain practical experience, and potentially transition to long-term residency pathways. At Kiwiana Immigration, we provide trusted guidance throughout this process to ensure your post-study journey is smooth, compliant, and successful.