New Zealand's Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) gives international graduates open work rights, for any employer, in any role, for up to three years after completing a bachelor's degree or higher. Combined with the Green List fast-track residency pathway for in-demand occupations, New Zealand offers one of the more straightforward graduate-to-residency journeys among English-speaking destinations.
What Is the Post-Study Work Visa?
The PSWV allows graduates of New Zealand institutions to:
- Live and work anywhere in New Zealand
- Work for any employer, in any occupation, full-time
- Use the visa period to gain skilled work experience toward residency
- Apply for residence pathways while working
Duration by Qualification Level
| Qualification Level (NZQF) | Examples | Typical PSWV Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Level 7 (Bachelor's degree) and above | Bachelor's, Honours, Graduate Diploma (degree-level), Master's, PhD | Up to 3 years |
| Level 4-6 (Certificates, Diplomas) | Sub-degree qualifications | Up to 1 year, generally only if studied outside Auckland or the qualification leads to a role on a relevant skill-shortage list |
Important: Eligibility rules for sub-degree qualifications have been tightened over recent years and are reviewed periodically by Immigration New Zealand, always confirm current settings before enrolling in a sub-degree programme if your goal is post-study work.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the PSWV, you generally need to:
- Hold a valid Fee Paying Student Visa at the time of application (or have held one recently)
- Have completed an eligible qualification at a New Zealand institution
- Apply within the validity period of your student visa or shortly after
- Meet health and character requirements
- Hold a passport valid for the proposed visa duration
Work Rights on the PSWV
| Type | Rights |
|---|---|
| Employer | Any employer |
| Occupation | Any occupation (no restriction to field of study) |
| Hours | Full-time, unrestricted |
| Self-employment | Generally permitted |
This flexibility allows graduates to gain New Zealand work experience in their field, which is often the deciding factor for residency applications, while also taking interim work if needed.
Pathway to Residency
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
New Zealand's main points-based residency pathway considers:
| Factor | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Skilled job or job offer in New Zealand | Core requirement, typically must pay at or above the median wage |
| Relevant qualifications | NZ qualifications (especially Level 7+) are weighted favourably |
| Work experience in New Zealand | Strengthens the application |
Green List - Fast-Track Residency
New Zealand maintains a Green List of occupations facing long-term skill shortages (covering roles across health, engineering, IT, trades, and education). Depending on the occupation:
| Green List Tier | Pathway |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) | Eligible to apply for residence directly once a relevant job offer/role is held |
| Tier 2 (Work to Residence) | Must work in the role for a specified period (commonly around 2 years) before applying for residence |
Graduates in nursing, engineering, IT (especially software development and cybersecurity), and certain trades are most likely to benefit from Green List pathways.
Application Process
- Complete your qualification and obtain confirmation of completion from your institution
- Apply for the PSWV through Immigration New Zealand's online portal before your student visa expires
- Search for skilled employment: focus on roles relevant to your qualification, ideally on the Green List or paying at/above the median wage
- Apply for residence under SMC or the relevant Green List pathway once you meet the criteria
IELTS and English Requirements
| Stage | English Requirement |
|---|---|
| Student visa (university entry) | IELTS 6.0-6.5 (programme-dependent) |
| PSWV | No additional English test typically required if you completed a qualification taught in English in New Zealand |
| Residence (SMC) | English requirement generally satisfied by having studied in English in NZ, but may apply in some cases |
New Zealand vs Australia - Post-Study Pathway
| Factor | New Zealand | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| PSWV duration (Bachelor's+) | Up to 3 years | 2-6 years (Subclass 485, depending on level/region) |
| Open work rights | Yes | Yes |
| Fast-track residency for shortage occupations | Green List | SkillSelect priority occupation lists |
| Regional study bonus | Limited (sub-degree only) | +2 years (Subclass 485) |
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