Post-Study Work Visa (Open or Restricted)

Work in New Zealand after completing your studies.

What is this visa for?

The Post-Study Work Visa allows international students who have completed certain New Zealand qualifications to stay and work in New Zealand. This visa helps graduates gain practical work experience, apply their skills, and contribute to New Zealand’s workforce.

Who can apply?

You may be eligible if you:

Completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand
Studied full-time for the required minimum duration
Apply within the allowed timeframe (usually within 3–12 months of your student visa ending)
Have at least NZ$5,000 to support yourself during your stay
Have not already held a Post-Study Work Visa
Meet standard health and character requirements

No job offer is required to apply.

What qualifications are eligible?

You can apply if you completed one of the following:

Qualification

Minimum NZ Study Duration

Post-Study Work Visa Duration

Non-degree Level 4–7 (e.g., diplomas or certs on Appendix 13 list)

Full course duration in NZ

Same length as your NZ study (work only in related occupation)

Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree

30 weeks full-time in NZ

Same length as your NZ study (work in any job/field)

Level 8 qualification

30 weeks full-time in NZ

Same length as your NZ study (work in any job/field)

Master’s or Doctorate (Level 9–10)

30 weeks full-time in NZ

3 years (work in any job/field)

Bachelor’s + Postgrad Diploma or Honours (consecutive)

30 weeks each

Combined total NZ study time (max 3 years)

Occupational Registration Pathway (e.g. Quantity Surveying or Teaching)

Varies

Up to 1 extra year (max total 3 years)

Study time only includes full-time study and excludes holidays or repeated subjects.

What kind of work can you do?

If you studied a Bachelor’s, Postgrad, Master’s or PhD:
You can work in any job, any location, and for any employer.

If you studied a non-degree (e.g. diploma) listed on Appendix 13:
You can only work in a job related to your qualification (as listed in the Appendix).

When should you apply?

Apply within:

  • 3 months of your student visa ending (most qualifications)
  • 6 months if you completed a Doctorate
  • 3 months if you did a Bachelor’s followed by a Postgrad/Honours
  • 12 months if you moved from an eligible qualification to a higher-level one (which itself isn’t eligible)

 Documents you need

To apply, you must submit:

Proof you completed your NZ qualification (completion letter or certificate)
Evidence of your NZ$5,000 funds (e.g. bank statement)
Passport and ID
Health and character documents (if required)
If applying for occupational registration extension – proof you’re actively working towards it (e.g. Quantity Surveying, Teaching)

 Can I extend my Post-Study Work Visa?

In most cases: No — you can only have one Post-Study Work Visa.

However, you may be eligible for a 1-year extension (up to a total of 3 years) if:

  • You completed a non-degree qualification (Level 4–8) listed on Appendix 13
  • You need extra work experience for registration or membership
  • You are pursuing registration with:
    • Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, or
    • New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors

Example: If you studied the NZ Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) – Level 6, and you need 1 year of NZ work experience to become an Affiliate Member, you may qualify for the extension.

Need help applying?

At JD Immigration, we help graduates:

Check if their course qualifies
Prepare all documents and financial proof
Understand your visa conditions
Plan your pathway from study to skilled work to residency

Book a consultation with JD Immigration now to begin your training journey in Aotearoa.