Work & Stay
Post-Study Work Visa
The Post-Study Work Visa is what lets you stay and work in New Zealand after you graduate, without needing a job offer in hand first. How long you get, and whether you're tied to a particular field, both depend on the level of qualification you completed.
Immigration rules change, always confirm before you rely on this
Visa categories, eligibility, points, and wage thresholds are set by Immigration New Zealand and can change with little notice. The details on this page were checked against official Immigration New Zealand sources in September 2026, but always confirm current requirements at immigration.govt.nz or with our team before making a decision.
Recently changed
From 16 November 2026, eligibility is expanding: graduates who complete an eligible Level 7 graduate diploma full-time in New Zealand and also hold a bachelor's degree, completed in New Zealand or overseas, will qualify for the first time. A Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8) leads to a 1-year visa, and a Master's degree (Level 9) leads to a 3-year visa under the expanded rules.
Key facts
- Degree-level 7 and above: open work rights, any employer, any field
- Below degree-level 7: work must be related to what you studied
- Visa length is generally up to 3 years, depending on your qualification level
- Apply within 3 months of finishing most qualifications (6 months for a doctorate)
- You'll need to show at least NZD $5,000 to cover your stay, plus a valid passport and, for longer stays, a medical check
How it works
Confirm your eligibility
We check your qualification level and provider against the current approved list, including the expanded Level 7 graduate diploma and bachelor's degree rules coming into effect in November 2026.
Prepare your application
We help you pull together your passport, proof of qualification, funds evidence, and any medical or police checks your stay length requires.
Apply within your window
We lodge your application within the timeframe tied to your qualification, generally 3 months after finishing, so there's no gap between your student visa ending and your work visa starting.
Common questions
Can I switch employers on a Post-Study Work Visa?
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If you completed a degree-level 7 or higher qualification, yes, the visa is open to any employer. If your qualification was below degree-level 7, your work needs to relate to what you studied.
Does a graduate diploma qualify me for this visa?
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It depends on the diploma and, from 16 November 2026, whether you also hold a bachelor's degree. We check your specific qualification against the current approved list before you apply.
Visa categories, eligibility, points, and wage thresholds are set by Immigration New Zealand and can change with little notice. The details on this page were checked against official Immigration New Zealand sources in September 2026, but always confirm current requirements at immigration.govt.nz or with our team before making a decision.
Not sure which pathway fits you?
Book a free consultation and we'll map out which pathway matches your qualification, occupation, and timeline.
Book a free consultation