Post Study Work Permit in New Zealand: Visa Rules, Qualifications, Eligibility

All international students who have graduated from New Zealand with a valid qualification can apply for a post-study work visa (PSW). It is a visa of varying lengths that lets international students work for any employer in New Zealand. If you manage to find a job that is relevant to your stream of course then you can have your work visa extended for two years. Read on to know more about the number of years you qualify for. Check: How to get PR in New Zealand after studying?

New Zealand has over the years become one of the preferred study-abroad destinations for Indians and International students alike. The country has registered positive student footfall into the country, especially for top-ranking universities in New Zealand. Today student-friendly policies such as post-study work permits, part-time work options, easy admissions, and a friendly environment have made students seriously consider New Zealand as their study abroad destination. 

Latest Updates:

Nov 7, 2022: As per the recent changes in policy for obtaining a post-study work permit in New Zealand states that the applicants must:

• Have studied a Level 7 degree qualification or,
• Should have studied non-degree qualification below Level 7, but the qualification must be listed on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post Study Work Visa list. 
• Having a job related to study subjects would be mandatory to prove if applying through the non-degree Level 7 option.

Those applicants who applied for their student visa on or before May 11, 2022, would be eligible for a post-study work permit in New Zealand, even if their qualifications are not enlisted on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa list. But, it is mandatory to have an acceptable qualification while applying for the PSW in New Zealand.

May 17, 2022: New Zealand announces extending the visas for those whose work or work residence visas expire between May 9 - December 31, 2022.

• Those who were granted an open work visa like - Essential Skills Work Visa, Post Study Work Visa or Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa will be automatically given an extension. New dates of visas expiring would be available from May 25 onwards. This visa will be functional for up to 2 years even after an extension.
• For work residence visas, the extension limit is only for 06 months. These visas include - Talent (Accredited Employers), Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports), Long Term Skill Shortage List, Skilled Migrant Job Search or South Island Contribution.

May 17, 2022: New Zealand is set to open its borders for 5,000 students under certain border exceptions and will fully open up by July 31, 2022. Read the article for more details.

April 12, 2022: New Zealand is set to open its borders for temporary work and student visa holders. In this third phase of border opening, New Zealand is set to welcome its international students studying in semester 2, which are over 5000. Australian citizens and permanent citizens can also return back in this phase. Those who are travelling to New Zealand in this phase must ensure the following:

1. Evidence of a valid job offer if traveling on a work visa.
2. Evidence of student visa which was initially granted for the same level of study, course and institution.
3. Evidence of relevant funds required for staying or studying in New Zealand.

In case of any changes in the circumstances of granted visa conditions, visa holders may not be allowed entry into New Zealand. For travelling back to New Zealand they must apply for a fresh visa or renew their visas.

Related Reads

• Applying for a loan to study in New Zealand
• 6 Reasons to Study in New Zealand
• Student Guide to New Zealand (NZ)

Who can apply for a visa in New Zealand?

You must apply for the PSW visa within three months of the end date of the student visa. Ph.D. students are allowed to apply up to six months after the end date of the student visa. To apply for the PSW visa, you must have successfully completed a degree qualification that would gain points under the ‘New Zealand Immigration Skilled Migrant Category. Also, your qualifications must be either Level 4 or higher than that based on New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).

Post-Study Work Visa Rules for New Zealand

With effect from 2018, the Government of New Zealand following a public consultation has ushered in changes to immigration policies that impact post-study work rights for international students. Read on to understand what they are and how they are going to affect you. Here for the benefit of our readers, we have provided the earlier version of the rule and how it has been changed for the students currently pursuing their course. 

Level 4 to 6 and non-degree Level 7 qualifications:

• Earlier: Prior to the changes, students who studied for 24 months were entitled to a one-year open work visa and then a two-year employer-assisted work visa.
• After Change: Now, a two-year employer-assisted work visa has been removed and a one-year open work visa is retained. However, those who pursue their education outside Auckland can get a two-year open work visa.

Bachelor-level qualifications:

• Earlier:  After 12 months of study students were entitled to a one-year open work visa and a two-year employer-assisted work visa.
• After Change: One-year open and two-year employer-assisted visa is replaced with a three-year open work visa.

Post-graduate level qualifications:

• Earlier: After pursuing 12 months of study, students were entitled to a one-year open work visa and after that, a two-year employer-assisted work visa.
• After Change: One-year open and two-year employer-assisted visa is replaced with a three-year open work visa.

These visa rules are applicable to those who hold a student visa or whose student visa application has been accepted by Immigration New Zealand:

Temporary work visa in New Zealand stands suspended since 2020 when COVID-19 hit the globe. New Zealand is only allowing those people to come and work who come from a quarantine-free zone and also from a safe zone but a mandatory negative report before departure to New Zealand is required upon arrival.

To know more go to, Changes in Post-Study Work Rights for International Students in New Zealand

How to apply for a post-study work visa in New Zealand?

You can choose to apply through the INZ online application portal, Immigration Online, or through the print form INZ1015. You will need the following documents and bank balance before applying:

• Work Visa application form INZ1015
• Evidence that you have completed your qualification
• Bank statement showing a balance of a minimum NZD 5,000
• Three months' bank statement
• Passport
• Two recent passport-size photographs

Read: New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time

Post-study Work Visa Duration in New Zealand

The duration of a post-study work visa in New Zealand depends upon the applicant's area and level of study. Area wise there are three major distinctions which are beneficial factors in deciding the post-study work visa duration in New Zealand:

Applicants who Studied in Auckland

Students who have completed their higher studies in Auckland can work for the following years:

• Applicants with a 3 years bachelor's degree and those who have achieved Level of 7, then he/she is eligible to apply for a post-study work visa for 3 years.
• The Level 7 Graduate Diploma holders can apply for a 1-year post-study work visa.
• Levels 4-6 qualified applicants can also apply for a 1-year post-study work visa.
• Applicants are eligible to apply for 1 year extra for a post-study work visa only if they are into occupational registration and are authorised.

Applicants Studied Outside of Auckland

Those applicants who have completed their studies before December 31, 2021, are eligible for a 2-3 year duration post-study work visa in New Zealand. While those who complete their qualifications after December 31, 2021, may be eligible for a 1-year post-study work visa. The following conditions are proposed by New Zealand Immigration Department:

Level 7 Qualification or Higher

Level 7 bachelor's degree holders can apply for a post-study work visa for 3 years duration. While graduate diploma holders who fulfil either of the following conditions are eligible for getting a post-study work visa:

• A 2-year work visa can be availed by those who complete their degree on or before December 31, 2021. Or
• Those completing their degrees after December 31, 2021, can apply for a 1-year work visa only.

Level 4-6 Qualification Holders

Applicants who hold either of the Level 4 or 5 or 6 qualifications can apply if:

• A 2-year work visa if the degree completes on or before December 31, 2021. Or
• The applicant will be eligible for a 1-year work visa if they complete their degree after December 31, 2021.

Applicants Studied Off-Campus

Students who complete their degree in the distance mode or off-campus are eligible for a work visa in New Zealand which is the same as for those who studied in Auckland. The duration of the visa would also be the same depending upon the applicant's qualification level.

Related Articles: