How to Apply for a New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa: Cost, Eligibility and Steps

The New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa lets you stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years after completing your studies, depending on your qualification. It costs from NZD 1,670, and 80% of applications are processed within six weeks. To apply, finish your qualification on a valid visa, gather your documents, then submit your application and pay the fee through Immigration Online. Details are on the official Immigration New Zealand page: Post-Study Work Visa. You can apply online at online.immigration.govt.nz.

Eligibility

• You must have recently finished an approved qualification in New Zealand.

• Apply no later than 3 months after your student visa expires. This extends to 6 months for a doctoral degree, or 12 months if you immediately followed your first qualification with a higher one completed in under 30 weeks.

• Show bank statements in your name with at least NZD 5,000, be in good health and of good character, and have a genuine reason for coming to New Zealand.

• A degree at level 7 or higher must have been studied full time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand, and lets you work in any job. A non-degree qualification at level 7 or below must be on the eligible list, and your job must relate to what you studied.

Documents

• Passport, valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave New Zealand

• One acceptable photo for online applications

• Proof of your qualification, such as a copy, transcript or a letter from your provider

• Bank statements showing NZD 5,000

• Police certificates, if you are 17 or older and will be in New Zealand for 24 months or more in total, with certified English translations if not in English

Steps to Apply

1. Complete your qualification while holding a valid visa.

2. Gather your documents.

3. Log in to Immigration Online, fill in the application, upload documents and pay the fee.

4. Wait for the decision and check your status online. If approved, you receive an eVisa. If your current visa expires while you wait, you will normally get an Interim Visa.

Family and Upcoming Changes

Your partner can apply for a work visa and your children can apply for student visas. From 16 November 2026, eligibility extends to applicants with a level 7 graduate diploma studied full time in New Zealand, and to bachelor's degree holders.