How long is the New Zealand post-study work visa?

A Level 7 bachelor's degree or higher, including master's and PhD, generally leads to up to 3 years of open work rights, matching the length of your qualification up to that maximum. Level 4 to 6 qualifications usually get 1 year, with work related to your field. From late 2026, a new 6-month Short Term Graduate Work Visa adds another option.

Can I get more than one post-study work visa?

Usually not. Most people can hold the standard Post Study Work Visa only once, so you cannot simply renew it. You either move onto a work or residence visa, or in some cases study a higher qualification. Plan your study sequence with your longer-term goal in mind before you start.

Does online or offshore study count for post-study work rights?

Generally no. Post-study work rights require completing an eligible qualification studied on site in New Zealand. Offshore or online study usually does not count. Keep clear proof that you studied in New Zealand, since you will need it when you apply.

Does the post-study work visa lead to residence?

It can. Many graduates use the visa to gain skilled work and then apply for residence through the points-based Skilled Migrant Category, the Green List, or an Accredited Employer Work Visa. Green List roles in health, engineering, construction and ICT tend to have the most direct paths, but residence has its own criteria and changes often.

How can I improve my chances of staying to work?

Choose a qualification on the current post-study work lists, since eligibility depends on it, and build local experience through internships and volunteering. Because rules change and New Zealand requires most advisers to be licensed, consider a licensed immigration adviser before committing to a specific residence plan.

Post-Study Work in New Zealand Guide 2026

From student to worker in New Zealand

New Zealand makes it practical to turn a degree into a job. The Post Study Work Visa is designed for exactly that: graduate, stay, work openly for any employer, and build toward residence.

The Post Study Work Visa

Under the current rules, how long you get depends mainly on your qualification level:

Level 7 bachelor's degree or higher (including master's and PhD): up to 3 years of open work rights, generally matching the length of your qualification up to that maximum.
Level 4 to 6 qualifications (many diplomas and certificates): generally 1 year, and your work usually must relate to your field of study. Eligibility for these lower levels is more restricted and often tied to the qualifications list or occupational registration.

From late 2026, a new 6-month Short Term Graduate Work Visa is being introduced for graduates who do not qualify for the standard Post Study Work Visa, as a bridge to find employment, along with expanded eligibility for some Graduate Diploma (Level 7) holders. Durations and eligibility are set by Immigration New Zealand and reviewed regularly, so confirm the current settings before you rely on them.

Requirements

Complete an eligible qualification at a New Zealand institution, studied on site in New Zealand (offshore study generally does not count).
Apply within the specified window after finishing, usually while you are in New Zealand on a valid student visa.
Meet health and character requirements.
Note that most people can hold the standard Post Study Work Visa only once, so plan your study sequence with your longer-term goal in mind.

Getting a job

New Zealand employers are used to hiring international graduates, and the small, networked job market rewards good connections. Your university careers service, internships and volunteering all help, and Kiwi work references carry weight. Health, engineering, IT, construction and agriculture recruit graduates heavily.

Pathways to residence

The Post Study Work Visa is a stepping stone to residence, mainly through:

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): points-based residence for skilled employment.
Green List: roles in high demand, where Tier 1 occupations can offer a straight-to-residence path and Tier 2 a work-to-residence path.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): the main employer-sponsored work visa, which can lead to residence over time.

Occupations on the Green List (such as many roles in health, engineering, construction and ICT) tend to have the most direct routes. Residence rules and points settings change often, and New Zealand requires most advisers to be licensed, so consider a licensed immigration adviser before building a plan around any single pathway. This is general information, not immigration advice.

Practical tips

Choose a qualification that appears on the current qualification and post-study work lists, since your eligibility and visa length depend on it.
Volunteer and intern during your studies, since local references matter.
Keep every document: your offer letter, transcripts, and proof of on-site study in New Zealand.

Sources: Immigration New Zealand, Post Study Work Visa durations and eligibility (Level 7+ up to 3 years; Level 4 to 6 generally 1 year), Green List and Skilled Migrant Category; new Short Term Graduate Work Visa from late 2026. Rules change often, so verify on immigration.govt.nz.

Explore study options in New Zealand, see the study route in our New Zealand student visa guide, or read the full New Zealand country guide.