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New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa

Post-Study Work Visa

In short

The Post-Study Work Visa lets people who recently completed an approved qualification by studying in New Zealand stay and work for up to 3 years. Master’s and doctoral graduates with 30+ weeks of study get 3 years; others get a visa as long as their study. It costs from NZD 1,670, needs NZD 5,000 and can be held only once.

Apply on Immigration New Zealand – Post-Study Work Visa checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Up to 3 years: 3 years for master’s or doctoral study of 30+ weeks; otherwise equal to the study period
Validity
Multiple entry
Fee
NZ$1,670INZ ‘from’ price
Funds required
NZ$5,000Total for the stay, shown with bank statements in your name; may be checked on arrival
Processing time
80% within 4 weeks
Work
Any employer with a degree at level 7 or higher; non-degree qualifications: a job related to your study
Family
Partner can apply for a work visa; dependent children can study as domestic students
Path to permanent residence
Can lead to a resident visa, for example through the Green List
Where to apply
Online; from 16 November 2026 paper applications are no longer accepted

Who qualifies

The qualification must be completed in New Zealand and recorded on your student visa. Degrees at level 7 or above (bachelor’s, postgraduate diploma, master’s, doctorate) need at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand. Non-degree qualifications at level 7 or below must be on INZ’s eligible list and studied full time for the whole course. You must meet health and character rules and never have held this visa.

From 16 November 2026 a full-time NZQCF level 7 graduate diploma also qualifies if you hold any bachelor’s degree, giving up to 1 year with open work rights.

Funds

You need at least NZD 5,000 in total, whatever the visa length, in bank statements in your name; INZ may check this on arrival.

Applying

Apply online with your passport, proof of completion such as the award or transcript, and bank statements; the fee starts at NZD 1,670 and 80% of decisions take 4 weeks. An interim visa normally covers you if your visa expires meanwhile. Paper forms end on 16 November 2026.

  1. Check that your qualification is eligible and note your deadline.
  2. Prepare completion evidence and NZD 5,000 in bank statements.
  3. Get police certificates and translations if needed.
  4. Apply online and pay the fee.
  5. Check the work conditions on your eVisa.

Deadlines and length

Apply within 3 months after your student visa expires; doctoral graduates have 6 months and can apply once the thesis is submitted. A master’s or doctorate with 30+ weeks in New Zealand gives 3 years; other qualifications give a visa equal to the study length on your offer of place.

Work and study rights

Degree holders may work in any legal job anywhere, and may run a business but not employ staff. Non-degree holders must work in a job related to their study. Study is limited to 3 months in any 12.

After the visa

The visa cannot be held twice. If your job is on the Green List and you meet its requirements, residence may follow immediately or after 2 years of work. Graduates who do not qualify can use the 6-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa from 16 November 2026.

Family

Your partner can apply for a work visa, and dependent children can study as domestic students.

Health and character

Police certificates under 6 months old are needed once your total time in New Zealand reaches 24 months, with certified translations if they are not in English. Stays over 6 months may need a chest X-ray.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport valid 3 months beyond departure and a photo

Money

  • Bank statements in your name showing NZD 5,000

Study

  • Award, transcript or provider letter for the New Zealand qualification

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Other

  • Police certificates if your total stay reaches 24 months
  • Chest X-ray or medical certificate if requested

Frequently asked questions

How long is the New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa?

3 years for a master’s or doctorate with 30+ weeks of study; otherwise as long as your study.

Can I get it twice?

No, even after a higher qualification.

What is the deadline?

Usually 3 months after your student visa expires; 6 months for doctorates.

Does it lead to residence?

It can, for example through a Green List job.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for New Zealand

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Multiple entry: 6 months in any 12; single entry: up to 9 months in 18
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: Up to 24 hours, inside the Auckland airport transit area
  • Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: Up to 6 months; you are not asked to leave until it is safe to travel

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 months in any 1 year
  • Investor visa Maximum stay: Up to 4 years (12-month establishment stage, then operating stage); one renewal of up to 2 years

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Up to 4 years, linked to the course

Work

Family

Residence

Online travel permits

Protection

New Zealand visa guide