International students who are visiting New Zealand for studies and want to work after completing their studies must get a post-study work visa. The validity period of a New Zealand post-study work visa has been extended to 3 years. Therefore, the candidates who have completed their graduation can work in New Zealand for an extended period of time. Explore the below guide to know more about post-study work visas in New Zealand such as eligibility criteria, documents required, the application process, and fees.
This Blog Includes:
- What is a Post Study Work visa in New Zealand?
- Eligibility Criteria for Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand
- Documents Required for Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand
- Online Application Process for Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand
- Offline Application Process of Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand
- Conditions for Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand
- How Long Can You Work on a Post Study Working Visa?
- Post Study Work Visa Processing Time
- Can You Bring Your Family if You Have a Post-Study Work Visa?
- Application Fees of Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand
- FAQs
What is a Post Study Work visa in New Zealand?
The post-study work visa allows an individual to stay in New Zealand for up to three years if they have recently completed their studies. With this post-study work visa, the candidates can work for up to three years depending upon their qualifications. They can also study for up to three months in New Zealand.
Eligibility Criteria for Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand
Check below the eligibility criteria that the candidates need to satisfy to get a post-study work visa in New Zealand:
- The candidates must apply for a work visa no later than three months after the student visa expires or six months if the visa is granted to complete a doctorate
- Good health is required
- They require a good character
- They must intend to meet the conditions of the visa
- Candidates must complete an eligible qualification in New Zealand
- They should have enough money to support themselves in New Zealand
- They must stay on a valid visa all the time while they are staying in New Zealand
Check PR Courses in New Zealand: PR in NZ After Study
Documents Required for Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand
Check below the list of documents to apply for a post-study work visa in New Zealand:
- Proof of identity
- Medical examination or chest X-ray
- Evidence showing no criminal record
- Evidence of complete educational qualification in New Zealand
- Proof of sufficient funds
Online Application Process for Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand
Know the online application process for a PSW visa in New Zealand:
- Candidates can apply online by clicking on APPLY NOW on the official website of Immigration New Zealand
- Attach the required documents to the online application
- Payment of application fees to complete the online application
- Submit the online application
Work Part-Time in New Zealand: Complete Guide
Offline Application Process of Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand
Check below the process to apply for a PSW visa in offline mode:
- The candidates are required to fill out the application form (1015). The form must be filled in block letters.
- They are required to book an appointment at the visa application centre with VFS Global
- They must pay the required fees when they attend the appointment
- Finally, submit the PSW visa New Zealand application form
Conditions for Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand
Check below the conditions for post-study work visa in New Zealand:
- The candidates must apply for entry permission i.e. they are required to fill out the arrival card and must also present the passport at the New Zealand border.
- The candidates must have multiple entry travel conditions to enter and leave New Zealand whenever they wish to
- They can study for up to three months during any 12 month period
- They must leave New Zealand before the visa expires
How Long Can You Work on a Post Study Working Visa?
The length of the post-study work visa depends on the location of the educational institution. Applicants who have studied in Auckland or enrolled in a distance course for an Auckland-based provider can have the following.
- Up to 3 years for Level 7 Bachelor’s degree
- 1 year for a Level 7 graduate diploma, or 2 years to obtain registration with a local body. For example, for teaching.
- Those with Level 5,4,6 can apply for 1-year visa
- Those who have studied outside Auckland can receive the post-study work permit for a longer duration
- 3 years for Level 7 bachelor’s degree
- 2 years for a Level 7 graduate diploma (if the degree has been obtained before 31st December 2021), Else, it is 1 year
- Level 5,4,6 qualified individuals can apply to stay for 2 years. (if the course is completed before 31 December 2021). Otherwise, it’s 1 year.
It is possible to apply for another visa if the current post study work visa expires. However, the applicant must be eligible for the visa. For example, the cause must be at least 30 weeks in duration and must be a post-graduate or bachelor’s degree. Moreover, it must be higher than the previous qualification.
Post Study Work Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a post study work visa is 38 days. The applicant will receive a decision on the visa application within this timeframe.
Can You Bring Your Family if You Have a Post-Study Work Visa?
Yes. It is possible to bring your family to the country. The spouse can get a work or visitor visa. Similarly, the children can apply for a visitor visa or a student visa. The post study work visa holder’s children may be able to study fee-free like the domestic students.
Application Fees of Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand
Check below the application fees required to apply for a PSW visa in New Zealand:
Application Fee | VAC Service Fee | Courier Fee | |
Online Application | NZD 700 | – | – |
On Paper Application | NZD 625 — NZD 860 | NZD 45 — NZD 75 | NZD 12 — NZD 100 |
Check Apply for New Zealand Work Visa & Work Permit
FAQs
The processing time for a post-study work visa is 38 days. The candidates will get the decision on their application within this time frame.
Students can work in New Zealand on a PSW visa if they have a qualification of degree level 7 or above. The job must be related to studies.
The students can apply for a PSW visa in New Zealand only once.
The post study work visa can be extended before the current one expires. The applicant will have to go through the same process to obtain the new PSW visa for New Zealand.
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