NZ Post-Study Work Visa — Requirements
The Post-Study Work Visa lets you stay and work in New Zealand after you finish studying there — for up to 3 years, depending on your qualification and how long you studied. This page covers the official requirements and documents. Based on the official Immigration New Zealand page, retrieved 2026-10-11.
How long you can stay
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.
Who can apply
To apply for this visa, you must have recently finished studying in New Zealand and have:
- a degree level 7 or higher qualification — level 8 postgraduate Diploma, level 9 masters degree or level 10 doctoral degree;
- a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification that is on the list of qualifications eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa — you must intend to work in a job that is related to what you studied, and apply in time;
- be in good health;
- have a good character;
- have a genuine reason for coming to New Zealand;
- have enough money to pay your expenses.
If you studied a degree level 7 or higher qualification, you must have studied it full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand. If you studied a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification, it must be on the list of eligible qualifications, your study must have been full-time for the full duration required to gain the qualification, and the job you take must be related to what you studied.
When to apply
You must apply no later than 3 months after your student visa expires for the qualification — or within 3 months of the end date of your student visa for a second qualification in certain consecutive-study cases. If you completed a doctoral degree, you must apply no later than 6 months after your student visa expires. Immigration New Zealand checks its records to make sure you are applying in time.
Documents you need
- a copy of your passport or certificate of identity — valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand;
- 1 acceptable photo if you apply online, or 2 photos if you apply on paper;
- proof of the qualification you gained in New Zealand — a copy of your qualification, your academic transcript, or a letter from your tertiary education provider confirming you have completed your qualification;
- police certificates, if required;
- when you apply, documents such as bank statements in your name that show you have at least NZD $5,000 in total for your stay.
Money you must show
When you apply you must provide documents, such as bank statements in your name, that show you have at least NZD $5,000 in total for your stay. This applies to visa applications for 1, 2 or 3 years. Immigration New Zealand may ask to see these documents when you arrive in New Zealand.
Related
Compare this official requirements page with the wider NZ post-study work visa guide, and prepare the paperwork with the NZ post-study work visa documents checklist. For the photo side, see the New Zealand passport photo technical requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay on a New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa?
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.
What qualification do I need for a Post-Study Work Visa?
A degree level 7 or higher qualification (level 8 postgraduate Diploma, level 9 masters degree or level 10 doctoral degree), or a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification that is on the list of qualifications eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa.
How much money do I need to show?
You must provide documents, such as bank statements in your name, that show you have at least NZD $5,000 in total for your stay. This applies to 1, 2 or 3-year applications.
When must I apply?
No later than 3 months after your student visa expires, or 6 months after it expires if you completed a doctoral degree.
How many photos do I need?
1 acceptable photo if you apply online, or 2 photos if you apply on paper.
What other requirements are there?
You must be in good health, have a good character, have a genuine reason for coming to New Zealand, and have enough money to pay your expenses.
Source: Immigration New Zealand, “Post-Study Work Visa” (immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/), retrieved 2026-10-11. Rules change, so confirm the current position before you apply.