How long is a Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand?

It depends on your qualification level. A Master's or Doctorate (Level 9–10) receives a 3-year PSWV with fully open work rights. A Bachelor's or Graduate Diploma (Level 7–8) receives a PSWV equal in duration to your study (typically 1–4 years). A Diploma or Certificate (Level 4–6) also matches your study length (up to 1–3 years), but work rights may be restricted to your studied field. Qualifications at Level 3 or below are not eligible for a PSWV.

What qualifications are eligible for a New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa?

You must have completed a qualification at Level 4 or above at a New Zealand institution registered with NZQA. For a Master's or PhD, you must have studied for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand. For other levels, you must have completed the full qualification period. Applications must be submitted within 3 months of your course end date.

How much does a Post-Study Work Visa cost?

The Post-Study Work Visa application fee is NZD $1,670, payable at the time of application. This fee is non-refundable.

Can the Post-Study Work Visa lead to New Zealand residence?

The PSWV is a common first step toward New Zealand residence. After gaining work experience in New Zealand, graduates can apply through the Skilled Migrant Category or — if their occupation is on New Zealand's Green List — through a work-to-residence pathway. Whether you qualify depends on your specific circumstances and occupation.

What is the Green List and how does it relate to the PSWV?

New Zealand's Green List is a set of occupations in high demand. Tier 1 roles require a job offer meeting the current INZ wage threshold for that role — from 9 March 2026, NZD $35.00/hour. Some roles require more than the median wage, so the exact threshold should be checked against current INZ requirements before any decision is made. Tier 2 roles require 24 months of work experience before a residence application. The PSWV provides the legal right to work while fulfilling these requirements.

Can I get more than one Post-Study Work Visa?

No. You can only ever be granted one Post-Study Work Visa in your lifetime. If you have already held a PSWV, you cannot obtain another — even after completing a further qualification in New Zealand. Plan your study pathway carefully before applying.

Guides/Post-Study Work Visa

Post-Study Work Visa

Understand how post-study work rights fit into your New Zealand study plan

After graduating from an eligible New Zealand institution, a Post-Study Work Visa may give you time to work, gain local experience and consider your next steps. Eligibility, duration and work conditions depend on your qualification and current INZ requirements.

Visa Fee

NZD $1,670

Non-refundable

Max Duration

3 Years

Master's / PhD only

Work Rights

Open

Most qualifications

Lifetime Limit

1 Visa

Only granted once

On this page

Duration by Qualification Level Eligibility Requirements How Post-Study Work May Connect to Future Residence Options Green List Occupations Course Strategy for Maximum Benefit

Duration by Qualification Level

The length and type of work rights depend on what you studied.

Qualification	PSWV Duration	Work Rights
Master's or Doctorate (Level 9–10)	3 years	Open — work for any employer in any role
Bachelor's or Graduate Diploma (Level 7–8)	Same length as study (1–4 yrs)	Open — work for any employer in any role
Diploma / Certificate (Level 4–6)	Same length as study (max 1–3 yrs)	Restricted to studied field or employer-tied
Level 3 Certificate or below	Not eligible	No PSWV available

⚠️ You can only ever be granted one Post-Study Work Visa in your lifetime. Plan your study pathway carefully before applying.

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet all of the following to apply.

🎓

NZ Qualification

Completed a qualification at a New Zealand institution registered with NZQA.

⏱️

Study Duration

Studied for at least 30 weeks in NZ (for Master's/PhD) or the full qualification period for other levels.

📅

Apply Within 3 Months

Apply within 3 months of your course end date. Most students apply before their student visa expires.

🌏

Be in New Zealand

You must be physically in New Zealand when you submit your application.

📋

Good Character

No serious criminal convictions. Police certificates may be required depending on countries of residence.

💰

Application Fee

Pay the NZD $1,670 visa fee at time of application. This fee is non-refundable.

💡 Apply before your student visa expires. You may stay and work while your PSWV application is being processed if you apply in time.

How Post-Study Work May Connect to Future Residence Options

A common sequence — but each step has its own eligibility requirements.

Step 1

Student Visa

Study your chosen qualification at a New Zealand institution.

↓→

Step 2

Post-Study Work Visa

If eligible, apply for a PSWV. Work openly for up to 3 years (Master's/PhD).

↓→

Step 3

Skilled Migrant / Green List

If eligible, apply for residence via SMC points or a Green List occupation after gaining NZ work experience.

↓→

Step 4

Permanent Residence

If granted residence, live and work in NZ permanently with access to most public services.

Green List Occupations

Some Green List occupations may support residence applications — eligibility depends on role, employer, pay, registration and current INZ settings.

Tier	Condition	Example Occupations
Tier 1 – Straight to Residence	Job offer at or above the current INZ wage threshold (NZD $35.00/hr from 9 March 2026)	GP, Specialist Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Civil / Structural / Software Engineer
Tier 2 – Work to Residence	Work in the role for 24 months then apply for residence	Registered Nurse, Electrician, Plumber, Early Childhood Teacher, Secondary Teacher

💡 Check the full Green List at immigration.govt.nz. Occupations and conditions are updated periodically — always verify before making study decisions based on Green List eligibility.

Course Strategy for Maximum Benefit

How qualification level affects PSWV duration and future options.

A Master's or Doctorate gives you the longest PSWV (3 years) with fully open work rights, which may help you gain the work experience relevant to future residence applications. For those considering a Green List occupation, a relevant bachelor's or postgraduate degree in that field may combine PSWV eligibility with the qualifications some residence pathways require. Qualifications at Level 3 or below are not eligible for a PSWV.

ℹ️ Choosing the right qualification affects your future options. Talk to our education consultants about study planning, or contact our partnering Licensed Immigration Adviser for visa pathway advice.

Immigration settings can change. This page provides general information only. PSWV and residence eligibility depend on your qualification, occupation, employer, pay, registration requirements, and Immigration New Zealand rules at the time you apply.