Guide to Post Study Work Visa New Zealand 2026
Learn everything you need to know about Post Study Work Visa New Zealand and get end-to-end expert guidance from us.
Did you know that Immigration New Zealand currently processes 80% of Post Study Work Visas (PSWV) within six weeks (30 working days)? This is to allow international graduates to get valuable open work experience in New Zealand for up to three years after completing their studies. A post study work visa in New Zealand allows them to work for almost any employer in any job.
The benefits of studying in New Zealand are massive for recent international graduates, and so are the benefits of holding a post study work visa, especially those who have completed their studies at Level 7 or higher. It can help them start their careers and gain essential local experience or even build a pathway toward long-term residency.
Knowing everything there is to know about this visa could be very important for your goals after college. Let us talk about all the essential details of a post-study work visa in New Zealand, including its types, eligibility, documents, stay-back period, costs, new rules, and application process.
New Zealand Post Study Work Visa New Rules 2026
While the post study work visa in New Zealand itself remains stable, significant changes have been introduced to the residency pathway transition afterwards, making 2026 onwards a better time to be a New Zealand graduate:
2026 Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Changes
Effective August 2026, the new SMC Resident Visa holders will enjoy the following benefits:
- Higher points for New Zealand university-level qualifications, streamlining the study-to-residence pathway
- Reduced the maximum required period of skilled New Zealand work experience to qualify for residence, from three years to two years for most applicants, making transitioning to a resident visa quicker after post study work
New Zealand Post Study Work Visa New Rules on Duration
Graduates of Level 7 and above (bachelor's degree, master's, or doctoral degree holders) will still be eligible for a 3-year post study work visa in New Zealand, as per the 2023 rule.
Types of Post Study Work Visa New Zealand
The New Zealand Employer-Assisted visa has been discontinued. So, now only a single type of post study work visa in New Zealand is available for international graduates, which offers different stay-back durations and work conditions based on the level of qualification completed.
| Qualification Level (NZQF) | Validity | Work Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Level 7 or Higher (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) | Up to 3 years | Open Work Rights: Allows work for any employer in any job |
| Level 4–6 (Diplomas and Certificates) | 1 year (up to 2 years for certain long-term or regional qualifications) | Restricted Work Rights: Job must be related to the field of study |
Check out all you need to know about starting your journey to study in New Zealand:
Post Study Work Visa New Zealand Cost & Requirements
International students need to budget for the application fee with a new, higher base fee, plus additional mandatory requirements for filing the post study work visa in New Zealand.
| Application Method | Base Application Fee (in NZD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application (Recommended) | NZ $1,670 (Includes Immigration Levy) | Fastest and most preferred method |
| Paper Application | NZ $1,670 (Plus potential courier/handling fees) | Takes longer due to manual processing and postal delays |
Additional Costs & Considerations
The base visa fee is not the only cost to incur. Ensure to budget for the following:
- Financial Requirement (Proof of Funds): Applicants must have at least NZ $5,000 available to support their stay while looking for a job. This is not a fee, but a fund requirement or the minimum amount/balance required in the bank account.
- Medical Examinations: Depending on the length of studies in New Zealand, applicants may be required to undergo a full medical examination or a chest x-ray by an approved panel physician. This is an extra variable cost.
- Police Certificates (Character Check): 17 years old or older applicants who have stayed in New Zealand for 24 months or longer will need a police certificate. This may involve fees from the police service of their home country.
- Immigration Advisor/Lawyer Fees: Those who choose to use professional assistance for the application or apply offline may be charged service fees as a separate cost.
Check out the other costs involved in studying in New Zealand for international students:
Post Study Work Visa New Zealand Eligibility & Documents
The eligibility requirements for a post study work visa in New Zealand can be supported with the following documents:
- Official ID: A valid passport
- Proof of Qualification: Official transcript or completion letter from a recognised New Zealand institution
- Place of Study: The qualification must come from a recognised education provider in New Zealand
- Length of Study: At least 30 weeks of full-time study for Level 7 or higher qualifications (or full programme duration for others)
- Proof of Funds: A minimum of NZ $5,000 available to cover initial living expenses
- Character and Health: Applicants must meet INZ standards in terms of current medical/health certificates and police/character certificates
These requirements ensure that work experience opportunities are granted to students who meet the necessary criteria.
Note: For Level 4-6 qualifications, eligibility is strictly limited to courses on the official list of eligible qualifications. Also, the subsequent job must be related to the field of study.
Important Reads
Post Study Work Visa New Zealand Application Process
The preferred and fastest process for obtaining a post study work visa in New Zealand is online through Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Applicants may follow these steps to ensure a smooth application:
Step 1: Complete Your Qualification
- Level 7 (Bachelor's) or Above: Requires a minimum of 30 weeks of full-time study.
- Level 4-6 Qualifications: Must be completed full-time for the entire duration and appear on the official list of eligible qualifications.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather mandatory documents as evidence for your eligibility before starting to fill out the application form for ‘Post Study Work Visa New Zealand’. These include:
- The official NZ transcript or completion letter
- A valid passport
- Proof of funds (NZ $5,000 minimum) for living expenses
- Required police/character and medical/health certificates
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Online (Preferred): Apply online through the official Immigration New Zealand website (INZ - www.immigration.govt.nz).
- Offline: Paper applications are accepted but incur extra processing time and potential local service fees.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
- Online: The current, non-refundable base application fee is NZ $1,670, which covers the cost of processing your visa (including the Immigration Levy).
- Offline: Third-party fees may be charged, apart from the base application fee of NZ $1,670, when applying via paper application or through processing centres.
Step 5: Adhere to the Strict Deadline
- Doctoral Graduates: Apply no later than 6 months after the end date of your New Zealand Student Visa.
- Other Applicants: Apply no later than 3 months after the end date of your student visa.
Pro Tip: To prevent delays, start gathering non-academic documents (like police and doctor’s certificates) well before you complete your studies, as these often take the longest to obtain.
Interesting Reads:
Stay Back on Post Study Work Visa New Zealand
The post study work visa is a critical component of New Zealand's immigration pathway for international graduates, offering a structured period to gain local work experience. The stay-back duration on a post study work visa in New Zealand is determined based on the NZQF level of qualification:
- Level 7 and Above (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD): Up to three years of open work rights.
- Below Level 7 (Certificates and Diplomas): Up to one year, provided the qualification is on the official list of eligible qualifications and the subsequent job is related to your field of study.
The post study work visa in New Zealand is the primary bridge to residency. After this visa expires, you must apply for another temporary work visa, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), or apply directly for residency, via the Skilled Migrant Category, based on the skilled work experience gained while on your post study work visa in New Zealand.
A post study work visa in New Zealand can lead to fantastic job options and life situations. Knowing the application requirements, fees, and the specific work standards tied to your qualification level is essential for maximising your opportunities and successfully transitioning to a long-term career in New Zealand.
Make your New Zealand dream come true. Register at AECC and get help in making the most of your higher education and job options on a post study work visa in New Zealand.