NZ Post Study Work Visa Checklist
The New Zealand Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) lets you stay and work after studying in New Zealand. This checklist covers the qualification and study-length rules, how long you can stay, when to apply and the documents you provide. Based on the official Immigration New Zealand page.
Three quick facts
- Up to 3 years — depending on your qualification level and how long you studied for it.
- Full-time for at least 30 weeks — the requirement for a degree-level (level 7 or higher) qualification studied in New Zealand.
- Apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring — or 6 months for a doctorate.
Who can apply
- You have recently completed study in New Zealand.
- You hold a level 7 or higher qualification (level 8 postgraduate diploma, level 9 master’s, level 10 doctorate); or a non-degree level 7 or below qualification on the PSWV eligible list (and you work in a job related to your study and apply on time).
- You are in good health and of good character, your reason for coming to New Zealand is genuine, and you have enough money.
The checklist — documents
| Qualification | A copy of your qualification. |
| Academic transcript | Your transcript. |
| Institution letter | Or a letter from your tertiary institution confirming you have completed the qualification. |
How long you can stay, and the study rule
You can stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years depending on the level of your qualification and how long you spent studying for it. If you studied a degree-level (level 7 or higher) qualification, you must have studied it full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand.
When to apply
- Within 3 months of your student visa expiring (the same applies for a second qualification).
- Within 6 months of your student visa expiring if you did a doctorate.
- Within 12 months of your first qualification’s student visa expiring in one case: an eligible qualification followed by a higher qualification completed within 30 weeks.
For the related work route see the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa documents checklist (on the checklists hub). Check the destination photo on the NZ passport photo page and the passport photo checker.
What is not published
The visa page does not give the application fee, the full item-by-item checklist, or the full eligible-qualifications list (some was truncated at retrieval). Because these are not published on the page, none is asserted here — confirm them on the Immigration New Zealand pages for your case.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay on a Post Study Work Visa?
Up to 3 years, depending on the level of your qualification and how long you studied for it.
What qualification do I need?
A level 7 or higher qualification, or a non-degree level 7 or below qualification on the PSWV eligible list (with a related job and a timely application).
How long must I have studied?
For a degree-level (level 7 or higher) qualification, full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand.
When must I apply?
Within 3 months of your student visa expiring, or 6 months for a doctorate; one eligible-qualification case allows 12 months.
What documents do I provide?
A copy of your qualification, your transcript, or a letter from your institution confirming completion.
What is not published?
The application fee and the full eligible-qualifications list are not on the visa page, so they are not asserted here; confirm them with Immigration New Zealand.
Source: Immigration New Zealand (immigration.govt.nz) — Post Study Work Visa page, retrieved 2026-09-28. Requirements change, so confirm the current position before you apply.