Do I need a job offer to apply?

No — the Post-Study Work Visa is an open work visa, so you can apply before you have a job. Whether you then find skilled employment matters for residence-down-the-line, which we help you target.

Does the Post-Study Work Visa lead to PR?

Indirectly but decisively — skilled work performed on this visa counts toward the skilled work-experience points in the Skilled Migrant Category. Study → post-study work → SMC is the classic New Zealand route.

What is the deadline to apply?

You must apply within three months of your student visa expiring. Missing the window usually means switching to an employer-sponsored route, so we track yours from the first day.

Can I bring my family on a Post-Study Work Visa?

Yes — your partner may be eligible for a work or visitor visa, and dependent children for study or visit visas, depending on the length of your grant and your visa terms.

NZNew Zealand · Work Visa

New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa

An open work visa for graduates of New Zealand institutions — a smooth transition from study to career.

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Processing time

4-6 weeks

Overview

The Post-Study Work Visa lets graduates of New Zealand qualifications work in New Zealand after their studies — without a job offer first, because it is an open work visa. It bridges study to skilled employment: time spent in skilled work on this visa counts toward the work-experience points in the Skilled Migrant Category, making it the engine of most student-to-resident journeys. To qualify you must have completed a qualification at NZQF Level 7 (a bachelor's degree or higher), having studied full time in New Zealand, and you must apply within three months of your student visa expiring. The duration follows your qualification level — up to three years for a Level 8 postgraduate diploma or higher. Our New Zealand immigration consultants make sure you apply within the window with the right qualification evidence, then support the transition into skilled employment — including how your job title, wage and role align with residence requirements later.

Key benefits

Open work rights — no job offer required at the point of application

Grants of one to three years depending on your qualification level

Skilled work counts directly toward Skilled Migrant Category residence points

A stress-free proof that your New Zealand education leads to a career

Support in positioning your first skilled role for your later PR application

Fee breakdown

Indicative — confirmed after your free assessment.

Government / embassy feeNZD — confirmed at assessment*

GAC Advisors service feePKR — quoted after review*

Estimated totalProvided after your free assessment

Core requirements at a glance

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Level 7+ Qualification

A bachelor's degree or higher completed in New Zealand counts for the visa.

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Three-Month Window

Apply within three months of your student visa expiring — no exceptions.

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Open Work Rights

Work for any employer without a sponsor — then aim your first job at skilled roles.

Visa Validity & Stay

Grants generally run one to three years based on qualification level. It is an open visa, so you can work for any employer in any lawful occupation — but skilled employment is what counts toward residence, so choose your first role with the residence pathway in mind.

Eligibility criteria

✓Completion of an NZQF Level 7 bachelor's degree or Level 8+ qualification in New Zealand

✓Full-time study in New Zealand with a valid student visa during the study

✓Application lodged no more than three months after the student visa expires

✓The qualification must meet current post-study work policy requirements

✓Health, character and English language requirements

Required documents

▸Qualification certificate and academic transcripts

▸Evidence of full-time study in New Zealand

▸Student visa history / evidence of study during the qualifying period

▸Valid passport and recent photographs

▸Medical certificate and police clearance where required

Mandatory Documents

Valid passport
Qualification certificate and transcripts
Evidence of full-time study in New Zealand
Application within the three-month window

Supporting Documents

Student visa and enrolment history
Medical certificate and police clearance where required
Updated CV for the job market
Proof of funds for the application period

Step-by-step application process

Graduation check & eligibility audit

We confirm your qualification level, study dates and application window so you never miss the three-month deadline.

Document preparation

We assemble your qualification evidence, study records and passport documents into a complete Immigration New Zealand file.

Application lodgement

We file your Post-Study Work Visa application with the correct category and conditions applied.

Career & residence positioning

We brief you on open work rights and how to choose your first skilled role — so it counts toward SMC points later.

Decision & next steps

On approval, we brief you on work conditions and planning your next stage toward residence or renewal.

Common mistakes to avoid

✕Applying after the three-month window closes — the most common ground for refusal

✕Qualification level or study-mode gaps that fail current post-study policy

✕Incomplete study-evidence (missing transcripts or enrolment history)

✕Taking an open work visa when a residence route could have been started sooner

How we prevent refusals

✓A fast window check to see whether your application is still possible

✓Qualification and policy alignment review against current post-study rules

✓A rebuilt file with the correct evidence, submitted correctly the first time

✓Honest guidance if a route change (e.g. AEWV) fits your situation better

Important Tips for Applicants

✦Mark the three-month deadline on your calendar and file before it — no exceptions apply.
✦Choose your first job for residence value, not just convenience — the right role pays you twice.
✦Keep a copy of every payslip and employment record from day one of work.
✦Speak to us before the visa expires if you intend to switch employers or apply for residence.