After completing formal study in New Zealand, you may be able to remain in the country for an initial period of up to three years on a Post Study Work Visa.
Who can apply for a Post Study Work Visa?
In order to qualify for a Post Study Work Visa, you must:
- have completed an ‘eligible qualification’, usually either:
- a Bachelor’s degree or higher;
- a Graduate Certificate;
- a Graduate Diploma;
- a Diploma rated Level 7 under the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF);
- a specific technical diploma or certificate that is rated lower than Level 7 but has been listed as eligible for a Post Study Work Visa by New Zealand Immigration
- have been studying fulltime in New Zealand for a minimum of 3o weeks
- apply within three months of your student visa expiring (six months if you were doing a doctoral degree)
- demonstrate that you have at least NZD $5000 available to support yourself in New Zealand
- meet the standard health and good character requirements for New Zealand visas
What does a Post Study Work Visa offer?
If your application for a Post Study Work Visa is successful, you can expect to be able to:
- be permitted to live in New Zealand for one, two or three years, depending on what and how long you studied
- be permitted to work in New Zealand, providing that:
- you do not work, operate or invest in a business that provides adult services
- if you are applying on the basis of a non-degree Level 7 qualification or below, your work relates to the qualification you obtained in New Zealand
- be permitted to undertake further study in New Zealand for a maximum of three months per year (or longer, if required by your employer)
- travel freely to and from New Zealand providing you are granted ‘multiple entry travel conditions’
- NB: check your travel conditions carefully before leaving New Zealand. Your visa may expire if you leave the country without the appropriate travel conditions, regardless of the expiry date of the visa.
Your partner and any dependent children will be eligible to apply for visas of their own on the basis of your securing this visa.
How do I apply for a Post Study Work Visa?
Applications for a Post Study Work Visa can be submitted online or on paper, and from inside or outside New Zealand.
The fee for applying for this visa will vary depending on your nationality and where you are applying from, and ranges from zero for citizens of certain countries to around NZD $700.
80% of applications for this visa are processed within seven weeks.
Mohamed Anas Sirajur Raheem
BA (Political Studies), LLB (VUW)
Mohamed is an enrolled Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, specializing in immigration law.
He is a former New Zealand Immigration Officer (Visa Services) and Border Officer at Auckland International Airport. He has several years of experience working in various Government Departments in New Zealand and has also worked as a Licensed Immigration Adviser at a prominent New Zealand Immigration firm.
His areas of expertise and interest are in the fields of General Skilled Migration, Temporary Work (Long and Short Stay), Business visas, Partner, Parent and Child Visa streams.
Mohamed was inspired to pursue a career in immigration by his own migration experiences. Over the years he has assisted individuals, families, large corporations, Professional sportspeople, and Entertainers (singers, speakers, and actors) to come to New Zealand.
