Post Study Work Visa
Completed your studies in New Zealand? A Post Study Work Visa lets you stay and work after graduating — and can be your first step toward permanent residence.
Up to 3 yrs
Work Visa Duration
Open
Work for Any Employer
95%
Visa Approval Rate
Licensed
Immigration Advisers (LAI)
Work in New Zealand After You Graduate
The Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) is an open work visa for international graduates who have completed a qualification at a New Zealand registered provider. It gives you the freedom to work for any employer — no job offer required.
Open Work Rights
Unlike the AEWV, the Post Study Work Visa is open — you can work for any employer in any role. You are not tied to a specific company or position.
Duration Based on Study Level
The visa is granted for up to 3 years for graduates of bachelor degree level or above. Graduates of lower-level qualifications may receive a shorter visa duration depending on their course and study location.
Study in New Zealand Required
You must have completed your qualification while physically studying in New Zealand — not through distance or online study from overseas.
Apply Before Your Student Visa Expires
You must apply for the PSWV before your student visa expires. If you let your student visa lapse, you may not be eligible to apply onshore. Timing is critical.
Pathway to Residence
The PSWV gives you time to find skilled employment in New Zealand. Many graduates use it to gain work experience that qualifies them for the Skilled Migrant Category or an AEWV leading to residence.
Partner and Family
Your partner may be eligible for a work visa while you hold a PSWV, and dependent children may be able to study at a New Zealand state school.
Who Qualifies
Eligibility for the Post Study Work Visa depends on your qualification level, where you studied, and your current visa status.
Completed NZ Qualification
You must have been awarded a qualification from a New Zealand Tertiary Education Commission registered provider — studied on campus in New Zealand, not offshore.
Minimum Level 7 for 3 Years
To receive the maximum 3-year PSWV, your qualification must be at Level 7 or above (bachelor degree or higher). Lower-level graduates may receive a shorter visa.
Valid Student Visa at Time of Application
You must hold a current valid student visa when you apply. Applying after your student visa expires means you are unlawfully in New Zealand, which affects eligibility.
Valid Passport
Must be valid for the duration of the Post Study Work Visa being applied for.
Adequate Funds
Evidence that you can support yourself financially while you look for work — typically covering living costs for at least the first few months.
Good Character & Health
You must meet INZ’s character and health requirements. These are assessed based on your history and country of origin.
How We Help You Transition
Moving from student to worker in New Zealand is straightforward when done correctly. We manage the transition so you can focus on your job search.
Eligibility Check
We confirm your qualification level, study location, and student visa expiry to ensure you are eligible for the PSWV and identify the correct duration you qualify for.
Document Preparation
We gather your qualification certificate, transcript, enrolment records, and financial evidence — reviewing everything before lodgement.
Application Lodgement
We submit your Post Study Work Visa application through INZ’s online portal before your student visa expires and manage all INZ correspondence during processing.
Residence Pathway Planning
We map out your options for transitioning from the PSWV to a longer-term visa or residence — so you are not scrambling at the end of your work visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the PSWV if I studied online from overseas?
No. You must have physically studied in New Zealand for your qualification to be eligible. Distance or online study from overseas does not qualify, even if the institution is New Zealand-based.
What if my qualification is below a bachelor degree?
Graduates with qualifications below Level 7 may still be eligible for a PSWV, but the duration will be shorter — typically 12 months. The exact duration depends on your course level and where you studied (Auckland vs other regions may differ).
Can I work in any job on a PSWV?
Yes. The Post Study Work Visa is open, meaning you can work for any employer in any role. You are not restricted to your field of study, although working in a role related to your qualification is beneficial if you plan to apply for residence.
What happens when my PSWV expires?
You will need to apply for another visa before your PSWV expires. Options include the Accredited Employer Work Visa (if you have a qualifying job offer), a Skilled Migrant Category residence application, or another pathway. We plan this well in advance.
Can I extend a Post Study Work Visa?
The PSWV is generally not renewable. Once it expires, you need to apply for a different visa. This is why planning your next step early is important — we start discussing your options from day one.
My student visa expires in two weeks. Can I still apply?
Yes — but act immediately. You must apply before your student visa expires. We can fast-track the preparation and lodge the application urgently. Contact us today.
Just Graduated? Let’s Plan Your Next Step.
Our licensed advisers help New Zealand graduates transition smoothly from student to worker — and plan the fastest route to residence. Get a free assessment today.
