New Zealand Visa Types: A Complete Overview for International Students and Workers
Author: Edustar Consulting Limited — Operations
Last updated: March 2026
Source: Immigration New Zealand (immigration.govt.nz)
New Zealand offers four main categories of visas: visitor visas, student visas, work visas, and residence visas. The right visa depends on why you are coming, how long you plan to stay, and whether you intend to work, study, or settle permanently.
Visa Categories at a Glance
| Category | Purpose | Can you work? | Leads to residence? | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | Tourism, family, business | No | No | Up to 6 months per visit (9 months max in 18-month period) |
| Student Visa | Full-time study | Up to 25 hrs/week (conditions apply) | Indirectly, via PSWV | Duration of study |
| AEWV | Employment with accredited employer | Yes — specific role | Yes | Up to 3–5 years |
| Post-Study Work Visa | Work after NZ graduation | Yes | Yes, via SMC/Green List | Up to 3 years |
| Short Term Graduate Work Visa | Announced — bridge visa after lower-level NZ qualification (expected late 2026) | Yes — open | No (bridge to AEWV) | 6 months |
| Skilled Migrant Category | Permanent residence | Yes — any employer | This IS residence | Permanent |
| Partner / Family | Join partner/family in NZ | Depends on type | Some do | Varies |
Visitor Visas
Visitor visas cover tourism, family visits, conferences, and short business meetings. Citizens of visa-waiver countries can enter with an NZeTA instead. A single journey visa allows a visit of up to 6 months. A multiple journey visa is valid for up to 3–5 years (5 years for Chinese nationals), with each visit limited to 6 months. The maximum cumulative stay is 9 months in any 18-month period. Can study up to 3 months but cannot work.
Parent Boost Visa (from September 2025): Parents of NZ citizens/residents can stay up to 5 years, with the option to apply for one further 5-year visa (10 years maximum). Requires sponsorship, health insurance, and financial support.
Student Visas
Full-time study at NZQA-approved providers. Eligible students can work up to 25 hours/week during term (conditions apply by programme type) and full-time during holidays. You need an Offer of Place, proof of tuition, and evidence of living costs (NZD $20,000/year tertiary, $17,000/year primary/secondary).
Work Visas
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
NZ's main work visa. Requires job offer from INZ-accredited employer with approved Job Check. Employer-specific, job-specific, location-specific. Up to 5 years for higher-skilled/higher-paid roles, 3 years for lower-skilled roles. Gateway to residence via Green List, SMC, or Work to Residence. See our detailed AEWV Guide.
Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)
For graduates who completed eligible NZ qualifications. Up to 3 years for master's/doctoral graduates (30+ weeks study). Duration matches study time for other qualifications. Degree holders get open work rights; non-degree holders must work in a qualifying role related to their study.
Announced for late 2026: Graduate Diploma holders (Level 7) with any bachelor's degree become PSWV-eligible, duration matching study time up to 1 year. A new Short Term Graduate Work Visa (6 months, open) will also launch for Level 5–7 graduates — one-time only, no partner visa support.
Residence Visas
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
Points-based residence pathway. Points for qualifications, registration, income, NZ work experience. From August 2026: two new simplified pathways — Skilled Work Experience (ANZSCO 1–3, 5 years' total experience, 2 in NZ) and Trades & Technician (Level 4+ qualification, 4 years' post-qualification experience, 18 months in NZ).
Green List
Fast-track residence for critical shortage occupations. Tier 1: Straight to Residence. Tier 2: 2 years NZ work experience required.
Work to Residence
Highly Paid ($70.00/hr for 24 months), Care Workforce (24 months), Transport Sector.
Family and Business
Partnership-based residence. Parent Category with sponsorship. Business Investor Visa ($1M+ established business purchase, from November 2025).
The Study-to-Residence Pathway
- Student Visa → eligible NZ qualification
- Post-Study Work Visa → up to 3 years
- AEWV or skilled employment → NZ work experience
- SMC or Green List → permanent residence
Frequently Asked Questions
Which visa should I start with? Study → student visa. Job offer in hand → AEWV. Partner in NZ → partner visa. Consult a Licensed Immigration Adviser for complex situations.
Can I switch visa types? Yes — student to PSWV to AEWV to SMC is common. Each requires a separate application.
Do I need a Licensed Immigration Adviser? Not legally required, but strongly recommended for residence, AEWV issues, or character/health concerns. Only Licensed Advisers or lawyers can legally provide immigration advice in NZ.
General information only — not immigration advice. Verify with INZ or a Licensed Immigration Adviser.
Contact Edustar: edustar.co.nz | Silverdale, Auckland