New Zealand Post Study Work
New Zealand
Residency
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See if you're a match →New Zealand's Post Study Work Visa is for people who recently completed an eligible New Zealand qualification and want temporary work rights that can connect to longer-term residence options.
- Type
- Post-study work
- Study basis
- Eligible New Zealand qualification
- Core requirements
- Qualification, timing, funds, and admissibility
- What to know
- Can help build a later skilled residence case
Summary
New Zealand's Post Study Work Visa lets some graduates of New Zealand qualifications work after study.
It can be a bridge from study into skilled work. For people with the right occupation, pay, and job offer, that work may later support a skilled residence route.
Eligibility
You may be a fit if:
- You recently completed, or are finishing, an eligible New Zealand qualification.
- You apply within the required timing window.
- You can show the required maintenance funds.
- You have not already used the route in a way that blocks a new grant.
- You meet health, character, and identity requirements.
Eligibility depends heavily on the qualification level, field, and whether it appears in the current Immigration New Zealand settings.
Duration, Renewal, and Long-Term Path
- Duration: Up to 3 years, depending on the qualification and current rules.
- Renewal: Usually limited; most people can only receive this visa once.
- Long-term path: Can help build New Zealand skilled work experience for later residence.
What This Route Allows
Depending on the qualification, it may allow open work or work linked to the qualification. It can also support some partner and dependent-child visa options.
What This Route Is Not
It is not a resident visa. It also does not guarantee a skilled residence pathway unless your later job, pay, occupation, and points line up.
Next Steps
- Confirm your qualification is eligible under the current settings.
- Check the application deadline after completion.
- Gather completion, funds, identity, health, and character documents.
- Plan the work route that would follow the post-study visa.
- Check whether partner or child visas are available if family will accompany you.