Guides/Post-Study Work Visa

Post-Study Work Visa

Turn your NZ degree into a pathway to residence

After graduating from a New Zealand institution, the Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) lets you live and work in New Zealand — and start building your path to permanent residence.

Visa Fee
NZD $1,670
Non-refundable
Max Duration
3 Years
Master's / PhD only
Work Rights
Open
Most qualifications
Lifetime Limit
1 Visa
Only granted once

Duration by Qualification Level

The length and type of work rights depend on what you studied.

QualificationPSWV DurationWork Rights
Master's or Doctorate (Level 9–10)3 yearsOpen — work for any employer in any role
Bachelor's or Graduate Diploma (Level 7–8)Same length as study (1–4 yrs)Open — work for any employer in any role
Diploma / Certificate (Level 4–6)Same length as study (max 1–3 yrs)Restricted to studied field or employer-tied
Level 3 Certificate or belowNot eligibleNo PSWV available
⚠️ You can only ever be granted one Post-Study Work Visa in your lifetime. Plan your study pathway carefully before applying.

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet all of the following to apply.

🎓
NZ Qualification
Completed a qualification at a New Zealand institution registered with NZQA.
⏱️
Study Duration
Studied for at least 30 weeks in NZ (for Master's/PhD) or the full qualification period for other levels.
📅
Apply Within 3 Months
Apply within 3 months of your course end date. Most students apply before their student visa expires.
🌏
Be in New Zealand
You must be physically in New Zealand when you submit your application.
📋
Good Character
No serious criminal convictions. Police certificates may be required depending on countries of residence.
💰
Application Fee
Pay the NZD $1,670 visa fee at time of application. This fee is non-refundable.
💡 Apply before your student visa expires. You may stay and work while your PSWV application is being processed if you apply in time.

Pathway to Permanent Residence

How your PSWV fits into the road to residence.

Step 1
Student Visa
Study your chosen qualification at a New Zealand institution.
↓
Step 2
Post-Study Work Visa
Graduate and apply for your PSWV. Work openly for up to 3 years (Master's/PhD).
↓
Step 3
Skilled Migrant / Green List
Apply for residence via SMC points or a Green List occupation after gaining NZ work experience.
↓
Step 4
Permanent Residence
Once granted residence, live and work in NZ permanently with access to most public services.

Green List Occupations

If your job is on NZ's Green List, your path to residence is significantly faster.

TierConditionExample Occupations
Tier 1 – Straight to ResidenceJob offer at or above median wage (NZD ~$31.61/hr)GP, Specialist Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Civil / Structural / Software Engineer
Tier 2 – Work to ResidenceWork in the role for 24 months then apply for residenceRegistered Nurse, Electrician, Plumber, Early Childhood Teacher, Secondary Teacher
💡 Check the full Green List at immigration.govt.nz. Occupations and conditions are updated periodically — always verify before making study decisions based on Green List eligibility.

Course Strategy for Maximum Benefit

How to choose your study pathway to optimise your PSWV outcome.

A Master's or Doctorate gives you the longest PSWV (3 years) with fully open work rights — the best platform for building the work experience needed for residence. For those targeting a Green List occupation, a relevant bachelor's or postgraduate degree in that field provides the strongest combination of PSWV duration and residence eligibility. Avoid Level 3 qualifications if your goal is NZ residence — they provide no PSWV pathway.

ℹ️ Choosing the right qualification affects your future options. Talk to our education consultants about study planning, or contact our partnering Licensed Immigration Adviser for visa pathway advice.

Sources: Immigration New Zealand (immigration.govt.nz) — PSWV policy, Green List, Skilled Migrant Category. Data verified April 2026.

Have questions about post-study work visa eligibility?