Post Study Work Visa

The Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) is a temporary work visa for international students who have finished an eligible qualification in New Zealand.

It allows graduates to remain in the country and work after their studies end, rather than returning home immediately. For most graduates the visa gives open work rights, meaning they can work for any employer in any role. This makes it a practical bridge between finishing study and securing a longer-term work or residence visa.

Key Takeaways:

• Graduates can work for up to 3 years depending on their qualification level;
• A qualifying course must be completed full-time in New Zealand; and
• New visa changes are arriving in late 2026, expanding who can apply.

Up to 3 years, depending on the level and length of your qualification.

• Master's or Doctoral graduates who studied for at least 30 weeks can generally receive the full 3 years.
• Other eligible qualifications usually match the length of your study (e.g., a 1-year course leads to a 1-year visa).

To qualify, you must:

• Have completed a degree at Level 7 or higher full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand, OR
• Have completed an eligible non-degree qualification at Level 7 or below that appears on Immigration New Zealand’s approved list.
• Ensure your study was full-time and for the full duration required to gain the qualification.
• Apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring (6 months for doctoral graduates).
• Show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself (currently around NZD 5,000).

• Work for any employer, in any job, anywhere in the country if you hold a Level 7 degree or higher (open work rights).
• Work in a field directly related to your studies if you completed a non-degree qualification at Level 7 or below.
• Bring your partner (who may apply for a work visa) and dependent children (who can study as domestic students).

The Post Study Work Visa is often a stepping stone, not the final destination. Many graduates use their time on this visa to gain skilled local experience and transition onto an Accredited Employer Work Visa or move directly toward residence via the Skilled Migrant Category. Early planning ensures your study stream perfectly aligns with these long-term settlement targets.