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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