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Pathway

New Zealand Post Study Work Visa

New Zealand Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

If you recently completed an eligible New Zealand qualification, you may be able to stay and work for up to three years. The qualification and time studied determine eligibility, visa length, and any job restrictions. Under current rules, this visa can be granted only once.

Study
A completed eligible New Zealand qualification with the required local study
Funds
Normally at least NZD 5,000
Timing
Usually apply within 3 months of student-visa expiry; some cases allow 6 or 12 months

Summary

This is a post-study work route after eligible New Zealand study. It can allow open or qualification-linked work for up to 3 years depending on the qualification, and it may help build a later skilled residence case.

This visa can be granted only once under the current rules. It is temporary, although eligible skilled work may later support a separate residence category.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

The applicant must recently have completed an eligible New Zealand qualification and normally hold at least NZD 5,000 for living expenses. They must meet health, character, and requirements to show genuine plans for the stay and apply within the correct deadline.

Current qualification rules include:

The usual application deadline is 3 months after the student visa ends. It is 6 months for a doctorate and can be 12 months for a qualifying first program immediately followed by a higher program completed in under 30 weeks. The exact rule should be checked against the study sequence.

Visa length can be up to 3 years. Master's and doctoral graduates who meet the study rule normally receive 3 years. Other qualifications generally support a period linked to the time studied, subject to the official table and 3-year maximum.

Scheduled change on 16 November 2026

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced expanded eligibility from 16 November 2026 for some level 7 graduate-diploma holders who also hold a bachelor's degree, plus a new short-term graduate option. These settings are not available before November 16, 2026.

Moving from New Zealand study to work
  1. Check the qualification and study dates Confirm eligibility, visa length, and whether work must relate to the course.
  2. Prepare evidence and apply before the deadline Include completion records, funds, health, and character evidence.
  3. Follow the work conditions on the visa Assess any later residence route separately.

Not every course qualifies, and a second qualification does not normally give a second Post Study Work Visa.

Policy watch 1 development we’re tracking
More graduates receive a work option from 16 November 2026
Announced — not currently law

More graduates receive a work option from 16 November 2026

Current official stage: Immigration New Zealand has published eligibility, launch and application guidance

Eligible level 7 graduate-diploma holders with a bachelor's degree may enter the Post Study Work Visa route, while some level 5–7 graduates who remain outside that route may qualify for a new six-month open work visa. Neither change applies to an application made before 16 November 2026.

Timing: Applications under both changes open on 16 November 2026. A Short-Term Graduate Work Visa application must be made no more than three months after the end date of the student visa for the qualification used. Current Post Study Work Visa rules govern applications before the change takes effect.

Last checked
References
Read the full briefing

What This Route Allows

A degree-level 7 or higher graduate normally receives open work conditions and can work for almost any employer, job, or location, subject to lawful-work and rules requiring registration to work in a profession. A graduate with a listed non-degree level 7 or lower qualification must work in a job related to the study, as recorded on the eVisa.

The holder can study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period. They may support a partner work visa and student visas for dependent children, subject to separate applications and family rules.

What This Route Is Not

It is not automatic after any New Zealand course, repeatable for a second qualification, or permanent residence. A non-degree graduate cannot disregard the related-job condition.

An open visa also has limits: a holder operating as a business owner cannot employ other people under the current open-work conditions, and regulated work still requires registration.

Next Steps

  1. Identify the qualification's exact New Zealand framework level, whether it is a degree, and eligible-list entry.
  2. Confirm full-time study dates and the correct 3-, 6-, or 12-month filing deadline.
  3. Obtain the completion letter, qualification, transcript, passport, NZD 5,000 funds evidence, and health and character records.
  4. Read the eVisa for any related-occupation restriction.
  5. If relying on the November 2026 changes, wait for the effective date and use the updated application rules.
  6. If you hope to apply for residence later, check that route separately, including the job, employer approval, pay, and occupation requirements.

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Discussed in these reports

Similar study to pr pathways in other destinations.

Sources