International students who recently completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand may be able to stay and work there with a Post Study Work Visa. Depending on the qualification and the duration of study, this visa can be granted for up to three years. It can also be part of a pathway to a resident visa, although residence is not automatic and has separate eligibility requirements.
Here is how to apply for a Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand.
Steps on Applying for a New Zealand Post-Graduation Work Visa
Step 1. Check Eligibility and Visa Type
Before applying, check whether your qualification meets the requirements for a New Zealand Post Study Work Visa. The current visa is available to students who recently completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand. You may qualify if you completed a degree at level 7 or higher after studying full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks. You may also qualify if you completed an eligible non-degree qualification at level 4 to 7, studied full-time in New Zealand for the full duration required, and intend to work in a job related to your studies.
Most applicants must apply no later than three months after their student visa expires. Doctoral graduates have up to six months. A 12-month application window may apply in certain cases involving an eligible first qualification followed immediately by a higher-level qualification completed in less than 30 weeks. If you are still studying, review the conditions of your New Zealand student visa. If you are in New Zealand when applying, you must remain on a valid visa.
English-language proficiency requirements may apply when you enroll in an academic program. However, Immigration New Zealand does not list an English-language test result as a standard Post Study Work Visa application document. A job offer is also not a standard requirement when applying for this visa.
Step 2. Prepare the Required Documents
Gather the documents needed for your application. These generally include a copy of your passport or certificate of identity, an acceptable visa photo, evidence that you completed your New Zealand qualification, and recent bank statements showing that you have at least NZD $5,000 available for living expenses. Police certificates may be required depending on your age and the total time you will spend in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand may also request a chest X-ray, a medical examination, or both. Certified English translations and copies of the original documents are required for police and medical certificates that are not in English.
Step 3. Create an Immigration New Zealand Account
To apply online, log in to your account or create an account on the Immigration New Zealand website. You can then complete the application, upload the required documents, and pay the applicable fee. Immigration New Zealand also provides a paper application option.
Step 4. Submit Your Application
Submit your completed application with all required documents to reduce the risk of processing delays. The Immigration New Zealand visa page currently lists the cost of a Post Study Work Visa as starting from NZD $1,670. Check the official website before applying because the applicable fee and submission instructions may depend on your circumstances and location.
Step 5. Wait for a Decision
Processing times can change. Immigration New Zealand currently states that 80% of Post Study Work Visa applications are processed within six weeks. Its regularly updated work visa wait-times page provides the latest information. You can check the status of an online application through your Immigration New Zealand account. Immigration New Zealand will also email you when it makes a decision.
Documents Needed for a New Zealand Post-Graduation Work Visa
International students should prepare the following documents and information:
| REQUIRED DOCUMENTS | REQUIREMENT DETAILS |
|---|
| Evidence of academic completion | Provide a copy of your qualification, your academic transcript, or a letter from your tertiary education provider confirming that you completed your qualification. |
| Passport or certificate of identity | Provide a copy of your passport or certificate of identity. It must be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand. |
| Visa photo | Provide one acceptable photo for an online application or two acceptable photos for a paper application. |
| Evidence of available funds | Provide recent bank statements in your name showing that you have at least NZD $5,000 available for living expenses. |
| Police certificates, if required | You may need to provide police certificates as evidence of good character. Certificates submitted with an application must be less than six months old unless an applicable exception applies. |
| Medical evidence, if requested | Immigration New Zealand may ask for a chest X-ray, a medical examination, or both after you apply. |
| English-language test results | An IELTS or TOEFL result is not listed as a standard Post Study Work Visa application document. English-language test results may still be relevant for admission to a study program or for certain employment opportunities. |
| Job offer | A job offer is not a standard requirement when applying for a Post Study Work Visa. Graduates with a degree at level 7 or higher can generally work in any legal job. Graduates with an eligible non-degree qualification at level 7 or lower must work in a job related to their studies. |
Requirements can vary depending on your circumstances. Check the official Immigration New Zealand website before submitting your application.
FAQs: Post-Graduation Work Visa Applications for New Zealand
What are the Eligibility Criteria for a Post-Graduation Work Visa for New Zealand?
To qualify for a Post Study Work Visa, an international student must have recently completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand. A student may qualify after completing a degree at level 7 or higher through at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand. A student may also qualify after completing an eligible non-degree qualification at level 4 to 7 through full-time study in New Zealand for the full duration required to earn the qualification. Graduates with an eligible non-degree qualification must work in a job related to their studies.
Applicants must also meet health, character, and genuine-intentions requirements. They must have at least NZD $5,000 available for living expenses and apply within the applicable deadline. Immigration New Zealand does not list a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or another English-language test result as a standard requirement for this visa.
A Post Study Work Visa can only be granted once. From November 16, 2026, eligibility will be extended to certain graduates who complete a level 7 graduate diploma in New Zealand and already hold a bachelor’s degree completed in New Zealand or overseas. Immigration New Zealand has also announced a new Short-term Graduate Work Visa that will open for applications on November 16, 2026, for certain graduates who do not qualify for the Post Study Work Visa. Check the official rules that apply at the time of your application.
What is the Process for Extending a Post-Graduation Work Visa for New Zealand?
A Post Study Work Visa cannot normally be extended, and a person who has already received one cannot apply for another Post Study Work Visa. Before your visa expires, review whether you qualify for another temporary work visa or a resident visa pathway. Eligibility for another visa may depend on factors such as your occupation, qualifications, professional registration, income, work experience, or job offer.
Immigration New Zealand provides information about skilled residence pathways, including the Skilled Migrant Category and Green List pathways. Apply for any new visa before your current visa expires if you want to remain in New Zealand lawfully. Consider seeking advice from a licensed immigration adviser if your circumstances are complex.
How Can You Find a Job in New Zealand as an International Student?
To find a job in New Zealand as an international student or graduate, search employment websites, contact recruitment agencies, approach employers directly, and connect with professional bodies and employer organizations. Networking through industry events and professional groups can also help you learn about job opportunities.
Immigration New Zealand identifies agriculture and forestry, construction, health care, education and teaching, engineering, business and finance, science, energy, health technology, and tourism and hospitality as major job sectors. The availability of suitable roles depends on your skills, experience, and visa conditions. You can also review the Green List to see whether your occupation is among the roles New Zealand needs workers for.
Understanding how your qualifications and experience relate to the New Zealand labor market can help you identify suitable career opportunities. Review the current requirements carefully before applying for a Post Study Work Visa.
We hope this article on how to get a Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand was helpful. Make sure to also check out our Available Programs and New Zealand Study Guide for information on scholarships and universities around the world!
