New Zealand•Oceania5 weeks
3,025 NZD
3 years
No
Not Required
Allowed
Available
Not Required
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 an eligible 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.
| Initial grant | 3 years |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
New ZealandMust have recently completed an eligible 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 eligible 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
Education
bachelor or higher
Min. Savings
5,000 EUR
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)
| Post Study Work Visa Application | — |
| Application Steps | Complete an eligible NZ qualification (NZQF Level 7 degree+ studied full-time 30+ weeks, or eligible… | immigration.govt.nz |
| Fee Breakdown · 0 · amount | 1670 | immigration.govt.nz |
| Fees | NZD 1,670 | immigration.govt.nz |
| Language Req | No formal English test; standard health and character requirements apply | immigration.govt.nz |
| Official Info | https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/ | immigration.govt.nz |
| Max Stay | Up to 3 years depending on qualification level and study duration | immigration.govt.nz |
| Max Stay Estimate | 3 years | immigration.govt.nz |
| Pr Pathway | true | immigration.govt.nz |
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