The visa length depends on your qualification and study duration.
Official source ↗New Zealand work visa
Post Study Work Visa New Zealand Guide
For eligible people who have completed an acceptable qualification in New Zealand.
Who can apply?How long can I work?What work can I do?When should I apply?Can family come with me?
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Length of stay3 years
CostNZD $1670
Processing time4 weeks
Residence optionCan lead to a resident visa Yes
Practical NZ visa information
After you finish your study
A practical summary of the current Post Study Work Visa pathway. The exact visa length and work conditions depend on the qualification completed in New Zealand.
✓ Official sources checked 17 Sept 2026, 11:04 am
Immigration New Zealand states this applies where the qualifying study requirements, including study duration, are met.
Official source ↗Current INZ information says eligible degree-level 7 or higher graduates can work in any legal job, subject to visa conditions and occupational registration where required.
Official source ↗The qualification must be eligible and the job may need to relate to what you studied.
Official source ↗View official Immigration New Zealand pageDownload Post Study Work Visa PDF checklistBrowse all NZ visasNZ immigration news
Latest Post Study Work Visa checklist: The PDF is generated from the latest Immigration New Zealand source snapshot used by this guide and includes Webfit News branding, source details and the general-information disclaimer. Download a fresh copy whenever you need one.
Post Study Work Visa requirements: who can apply?
- have recently finished studying in New Zealand for an approved qualification
- apply no later than 3, 6 or 12 months after your student visa expires, depending on what you studied and what visa you had
- have at least NZD $5,000 to pay your living expenses
- meet the other requirements of this visa.
- stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years depending on your study
- work in New Zealand if you have a degree level 7 or higher qualification
- work for an employer in a job that meets our requirements if you have a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification
- support visas for your partner and dependent children — your partner can apply for a work visa and your children can apply for student visas to study as in New Zealand. Bringing family if you have a work visa
- an NZQCF level 7 graduate diploma that they studied full-time for in New Zealand, and
- a bachelor’s degree that they completed in New Zealand or overseas.
What the Post Study Work Visa lets you do
- stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years depending on your study
- work in New Zealand if you have a degree level 7 or higher qualification
- work for an employer in a job that meets our requirements if you have a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification
- support visas for your partner and dependent children — your partner can apply for a work visa and your children can apply for student visas to study as in New Zealand. Bringing family if you have a work visa
- an NZQCF level 7 graduate diploma that they studied full-time for in New Zealand, and
- a bachelor’s degree that they completed in New Zealand or overseas.
Post Study Work Visa documents and evidence
- certified English translations of police and medical certificates that are not in English
- copies of the original documents.
Post Study Work Visa FAQ
What is the Post Study Work Visa?
For eligible people who have completed an acceptable qualification in New Zealand.
How long can I stay in New Zealand on the Post Study Work Visa?
The latest source snapshot lists 3 years. Check the official Immigration New Zealand page because visa conditions can change.
How much does the Post Study Work Visa cost?
The latest source snapshot lists NZD $1670. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount with Immigration New Zealand before applying.
How long does the Post Study Work Visa take to process?
The latest source snapshot lists 4 weeks. Processing times are indicative and can change.
Where can I check the latest official Post Study Work Visa requirements?
Use the official Immigration New Zealand source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/. Webfit News reorganises the public information for convenience but does not replace the official source.
Other work visa guides
Looking for a different New Zealand visa?
← Browse all New Zealand visasReturn to the main NZ Visa Guide to browse work, study, visitor, residence and family visa information or download another visa checklist.
Not immigration advice: This page provides general, publicly available information for convenience. It does not assess your circumstances, recommend a visa, predict an outcome, or tell you how to answer an application. Requirements can vary by applicant and can change. Before making an immigration decision or submitting an application, check the current official Immigration New Zealand requirements. If you need advice about your personal circumstances, use an appropriately licensed or exempt immigration adviser.