A post-study work visa (PSW) is open to all international students who have graduated from New Zealand with a recognized degree. It is a visa that allows foreign students to work for any employer in New Zealand for periods of time ranging in duration. Your work visa may be extended for an additional two years if you are successful in finding employment that is related to your field of study.
Over time, both Indian and international students have come to favor New Zealand as a destination for studying abroad. Positive student inflow statistics have been recorded, particularly for New Zealand’s best universities. Students are now taking New Zealand seriously as a location for their study abroad program because of laws that are geared towards them, including post-study work permits, part-time employment alternatives, simple admissions requirements, and a welcoming environment.
Post-Study Work Visa Eligibility Criteria in New Zealand
Within three months of the student visa’s expiration date, you must submit an application for the PSW visa. Ph.D. candidates are eligible to apply up to six months following the student visa’s expiration date. You must have earned a degree that qualifies you for points under the “New Zealand Immigration Skilled Migrant Category” in order to be eligible to apply for the PSW visa. Additionally, your credentials must meet New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) Level 4 or higher.
Rules for Post-Study Work Visas in New Zealand
Following a public consultation, the New Zealand government changed its immigration laws with effect in 2018 in order to affect international students’ post-study employment rights. Continue reading to learn more about them and how they will impact you. The prior version of the regulation and the changes made to it for the students presently enrolled in their course are published below for the convenience of our readers.
Level 4 to 6 and non-degree Level 7 qualifications:
- Before the modifications, students who completed 24 months of study were eligible for a one-year open work visa and a subsequent two-year employer-sponsored work visa.
- A one-year open work visa has been kept and a two-year employer-sponsored work visa has been eliminated. However, students who attend school outside of Auckland are eligible for a two-year open work visa.
Bachelor-level qualifications:
- Students were eligible for a one-year open work visa and a two-year employer-sponsored work visa after completing 12 months of education.
- A three-year open work visa is in place of the one-year open and two-year employer-sponsored visas.
Post-graduate level qualifications:
- Students were eligible for a one-year open work visa after completing 12 months of study, followed by a two-year employer-sponsored work visa.
- A three-year open work visa is in place of the one-year open and two-year employer-sponsored visas.
Those who currently have a student visa or whose application for a student visa has been approved by Immigration New Zealand are subject to the following visa regulations:
| Level of study | Duration of course | Eligibility of visa |
| Level 7 Bachelor’s degree or above | At least 30 weeks in New Zealand | Three-year open work visa |
| Non-degree Level 7 qualification | At least 30 weeks in New Zealand | Three-year open work visa |
| One qualification at Level 4-6 | At least 60 weeks in New Zealand | Three-year open work visa |
| Two qualifications at Levels 4-6 | Study 60 weeks in total, 30 weeks for each qualification. The second qualification is higher than the first level. | Three-year open work visa |
How to Apply for Post-study Work Visa in New Zealand
The first thing to keep in mind is that you have three months from the time your student visa or study permit expires to apply for this visa. If you earned a Ph.D., you have six months following the award of your degree to submit an application. Currently, 33 days are required to process 90% of applications. Applying can be done online or on paper. Online is advised because it speeds up and simplifies communication.
Make sure all of your required documentation is available for your application.
- A completed INZ 1015 work visa application
- The application fee of NZ$495
- Receiving centre fees, this varies across different countries
- Valid passport
- Valid education certificates
- Medical certificate or chest x-ray showing you are in good health
- Cover letter
- Proof of funds
Also, you can:
- You can submit an online application through the NZ Immigration website, which directs you to register for a ‘RealMe’ account on the internal affairs website for New Zealand.
- Pay the relevant fees and Wait for immigration’s conclusion; they can say they need additional details.
- The RealMe portal will be used for this.
- Immigration may get in touch with you and request more details.
Note: They will typically grant you an interim visa if you are already in New Zealand and your current visa is about to expire so you can remain there lawfully until your new visa is granted.
How Long is a Post-study Working Visa Valid?
Where you studied has a big impact on how long your visa will be valid. Those who attended an Auckland-based institution in person or via distance education
- Up to three years may be applied for a level 7 bachelor’s degree.
- Level 7 graduate diploma applicants may choose to register with a local body for one year or two years; for example, teachers must register for two years in order to receive their complete practicing certificate.
- For a one-year visa, levels 4, 5, and 6 may apply.
- If you attended school elsewhere than Auckland, you may be eligible for lengthier terms.
- Up to three years may be applied for a level 7 bachelor’s degree.
- If you earn your level 7 graduate diploma before December 31, 2021, you may apply for two years; otherwise, the application period is one year.
- If the course is finished by December 31, 2021, Levels 4, 5, and 6 certifications may be applied for up to two years; otherwise, one year.
Also, check out our articles on Part-Time Job Opportunities in New Zealand here!
The application procedure is simple, requiring a completed INZ 1015 work visa application, proof of funds, a medical certificate, a cover letter, a valid passport, and education certificates. International students have chosen New Zealand as a study abroad destination because of its friendly climate, low admissions standards, part-time employment opportunities, and legislation that are tailored to them, such as post-study work permits.
