New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa 2026: Eligibility, Duration, Cost and Application Guide
The New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa 2026 allows eligible international graduates to remain in New Zealand and work after completing an approved qualification. Depending on the qualification and study duration, the visa may be granted for up to three years.
This graduate work visa can provide valuable professional experience and may help some graduates qualify later for an employer-sponsored visa or skilled residence pathway. However, completing any course in New Zealand does not automatically make a student eligible.
New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa at a Glance
| Requirement | Main rule |
|---|---|
| Maximum visa duration | Up to 3 years |
| Job offer required | No |
| Minimum available funds | NZD 5,000 |
| Application deadline | Usually within 3 months of student visa expiry |
| Doctoral graduate deadline | Within 6 months of student visa expiry |
| Number of visas allowed | Normally only one |
| Family sponsorship | Available, subject to requirements |
| Application method | Usually online |
Immigration New Zealand confirms that applicants must have recently completed an approved New Zealand qualification, apply within the applicable deadline and demonstrate at least NZD 5,000 for living expenses.
Who Is Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa?
You may qualify if you have completed one of the following:
Degree-Level Qualifications
You can generally apply after completing:
- A level 7 bachelor’s degree.
- A level 8 postgraduate diploma or honours degree.
- A level 9 master’s degree.
- A level 10 doctoral degree.
A degree-level qualification at level 7 or a qualification at levels 8 to 10 must normally have been studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks.
Non-Degree Qualifications
A level 4 to 7 non-degree qualification may qualify only when:
- It appears on Immigration New Zealand’s eligible qualification list.
- It was studied full-time in New Zealand.
- The student completed the full duration required for the qualification.
- The graduate intends to work in a job related to the field studied.
Eligible non-degree programmes are generally linked to occupations New Zealand needs, such as construction, teaching, engineering, agriculture or automotive trades. The official list should be checked before enrolling because not every diploma or certificate qualifies.
Important Change from November 16, 2026
From November 16, 2026, Post-Study Work Visa eligibility will expand to graduates who:
- Complete an NZQCF level 7 graduate diploma.
- Study the full programme full-time in New Zealand.
- Remain enrolled for its full duration without using cross-crediting or recognition of prior learning.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree completed in New Zealand or another country.
An overseas bachelor’s degree can be accepted without an International Qualification Assessment, although Immigration New Zealand may check its authenticity. The resulting work visa may match the period spent studying the graduate diploma, up to one year.
Graduates holding both the qualifying graduate diploma and a bachelor’s degree may receive open work conditions.
New Six-Month Graduate Visa in Late 2026
A separate Short-term Graduate Work Visa will also become available from November 16, 2026.
It is intended for graduates who:
- Completed an NZQCF level 5 to 7 qualification.
- Studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks.
- Completed a programme that does not already qualify for the Post-Study Work Visa.
- Have at least NZD 5,000.
- Apply within three months of their student visa expiring.
This new visa will provide six months of open work rights, allowing graduates to search for employment and potentially move to an Accredited Employer Work Visa. English-language, foundation and bridging qualifications will not qualify.
How Long Is the Post-Study Work Visa Valid?
The duration depends on the qualification.
Master’s and Doctoral Graduates
Graduates who complete an eligible master’s or doctoral qualification and study in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks may receive a three-year Post-Study Work Visa.
Level 8 or Lower Qualifications
For qualifications at level 8 or below, the visa is generally issued for a period equal to the time spent studying the eligible qualification in New Zealand.
Taking longer to graduate because of failed courses does not automatically extend the work visa period. Immigration New Zealand may verify the intended programme duration with the education provider.
What Work Can Graduates Do?
Your work conditions depend on your qualification.
Degree Level 7 or Higher
Graduates with a qualifying degree-level qualification generally receive open work rights and may work:
- For almost any employer.
- In different occupations.
- In different parts of New Zealand.
- As a sole trader.
- Through a business they own and operate.
From April 20, 2026, Post-Study Work Visa holders with open conditions may operate a business but cannot directly or indirectly employ other people through that business.
Non-Degree Level 7 or Lower
Graduates with an eligible non-degree qualification must normally work in a position related to their studies. The occupation or employment restriction will appear in the visa conditions.
When Should You Apply?
Most graduates must apply no later than three months after their student visa expires.
Exceptions include:
- Doctoral graduates: Up to six months after the student visa expires.
- Certain consecutive qualifications: Up to 12 months from the first student visa’s expiry when an eligible first qualification was immediately followed by a higher-level programme completed in less than 30 weeks.
Doctoral candidates may apply after submitting their thesis rather than waiting for the degree to be formally awarded. Applicants must maintain valid immigration status while remaining in New Zealand.
Documents Required
Prepare the following documents:
- A valid passport or acceptable identity document.
- An acceptable visa photograph.
- Qualification certificate.
- Academic transcript or completion letter from the education provider.
- Bank statements showing at least NZD 5,000.
- Police certificates, when required.
- Medical examination or chest X-ray, when requested.
- Certified English translations of non-English documents.
- Bachelor’s certificate and transcript for the new graduate diploma route from November 2026.
Your passport should generally remain valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave New Zealand.
Post-Study Work Visa Cost and Processing Time
The application fee depends on factors including:
- Applicant nationality.
- Current location.
- Whether the application is submitted online or on paper.
- Any applicable immigration levy.
Applicants should use Immigration New Zealand’s official fee calculator rather than relying on a single advertised amount.
Processing times also change according to demand and application completeness. As of July 2026, Immigration New Zealand reports an average processing time of approximately 2.5 weeks, with most recent Post-Study Work Visa applications completed within five weeks. These figures are updated regularly and are not guaranteed.
How to Apply Online
The main application steps are:
- Complete your eligible New Zealand qualification.
- Obtain your certificate, transcript or official completion letter.
- Prepare evidence of at least NZD 5,000.
- Arrange police or medical documents when required.
- Sign in to Immigration Online.
- Complete the application form.
- Upload the supporting documents.
- Pay the applicable visa fee.
- Check your account for additional document requests.
- Receive the decision and eVisa by email.
Submitting incomplete or incorrectly translated documents may delay the decision.
Can You Bring Your Family?
A Post-Study Work Visa holder may support eligible applications for:
- A partner’s work visa.
- A partner’s visitor visa.
- Visitor visas for dependent children.
- Student visas allowing eligible dependent children to study as domestic students.
Each family member must satisfy the relevant health, character, relationship and dependency requirements.
The new six-month Short-term Graduate Work Visa has more limited family rights and does not allow its holder to support a partner’s work visa or a Dependent Child Student Visa.
Does the Visa Lead to Permanent Residence?
The Post-Study Work Visa does not provide permanent residence automatically. Graduates may later explore routes such as:
- Accredited Employer Work Visa.
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
- Straight to Residence Visa.
- Work to Residence Visa.
- Partner-based residence.
Graduates working in an eligible Green List occupation may have an immediate residence route or a pathway after completing the required period of qualifying employment.
Common Reasons for Application Problems
Problems may arise when the applicant:
- Completed a programme that is not eligible.
- Studied for less than the required period.
- Applied after the deadline.
- Did not complete the qualification recorded on the student visa.
- Previously held a Post-Study Work Visa.
- Submitted insufficient financial evidence.
- Provided expired police certificates.
- Failed to translate required documents correctly.
- Entered identity details that do not match the passport.
Check your programme’s eligibility before paying tuition, not only after graduation.
Official Sources
- Immigration New Zealand – Post Study Work Visa
- Qualifications Needed for a Post Study Work Visa
- New and Updated Post-Study Work Visa Options
- Staying to Work After Finishing Your Study
- New Zealand Work Visa Processing Times
- New Zealand Skilled Residence Pathways
