For graduates of eligible NZ qualifications — open work rights for up to 3 years, and it can lead to residence.
The New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) lets you stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years after completing an eligible qualification here. If you hold a degree at level 7 or higher, you can work in almost any job for any employer; with a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification, you must work in a job related to what you studied. You can only be granted this visa once, and you must apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring (6 months for a Doctoral degree). It can lead to a resident visa. From 16 November 2026, eligibility also extends to graduates who hold an NZQCF level 7 graduate diploma studied full-time in New Zealand together with a bachelor's degree. Fees and rules change, so always confirm the current requirements on the official Immigration New Zealand page before you apply.
You must have recently completed an eligible New Zealand qualification — a degree at level 7 or higher (level 8 Postgraduate Diploma, level 9 Master’s or level 10 Doctorate), or a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification on Immigration New Zealand’s eligible list. You also need to be in good health and character, have a genuine reason to be in New Zealand, and show at least NZD $5,000 for your living costs.
Up to 3 years, depending on your qualification and how long you studied. If you completed a Master’s or Doctoral qualification and studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand, you can be granted 3 years. For a qualification at level 8 or below, the visa length generally matches the length of your study.
The visa costs from NZD $1,670, and Immigration New Zealand processes about 80% of applications within roughly 4 weeks. Fees and processing times change over time, so check the official Immigration New Zealand page for the current figures before you apply.
No. You can only be granted a New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa once. You must also apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring, or within 6 months if you completed a Doctoral degree.
Yes. Your partner can apply for a work visa and your dependent children can apply to study as domestic students. The Post-Study Work Visa can also lead to a resident visa, which is one reason it is a popular pathway after study in New Zealand.
Source: official immigration website. Always verify current requirements before applying.