Steps to apply for a work visa or permit – Study to Work

People who have completed their course of study in New Zealand should follow these steps if they wish to apply for a work visa or permit under our Study to Work Policy.

They may apply for a work permit for a maximum of two years. They must apply no later than three months after the end date of their student permit for the relevant course or qualification, or currently hold a Graduate Job Search Work Permit.

 

Step 1

Complete the Work Visa/Permit Application (INZ 1015) PDF [235KB] available from Immigration New Zealand offices in New Zealand and overseas.   

 

Step 2

Along with their completed (and signed) application form they will need to:

 

• Provide an offer of employment, if they have one, relevant to their qualification, and successfully completed a course in New Zealand that:
  • had a minimum completion time of three years, or
  • would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category of Residence Policy

 

• They will need to provide:
  • evidence of an offer of employment relevant to their qualification, and
  • evidence they have completed a qualification that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category for Residence Policy, or
  • evidence they have completed a course with a minimum completion time of three years, and
  • evidence they are applying no later than three months after the end date of their Student Permit for the relevant course or qualification, or
  • currently hold a Graduate Job Search Work Permit.

 

• If they do not have an offer of employment but have successfully completed a qualification in New Zealand that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category of Residence Policy, they may apply for a Graduate Job Search Work Permit for a maximum of six months, to transition from study, to work, to residence under this policy. They must apply no later than three months after the end date of their Student Permit for the relevant qualification

  They will need to provide:

  • Evidence they have completed a qualification that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category for Residence Policy, and
  • evidence that they have a minimum of $2,100 in funds available to maintain themselves during their 6 month stay in New Zealand, and
  • evidence they are applying no later than three months after the end date of their Student Permit for the relevant qualification.

Step 3

They will also need to provide:

• a recent passport size photograph
• a valid passport or certificate of identity
• a completed Medical Certificate, less than three months old and a police certificate, less than six months old – if they intend to stay in New Zealand for longer than 24 months
• an application fee

Plus any other evidence requested by the visa or immigration officer.

 

Step 4

If you are overseas, your application must be made and approved before you travel to New Zealand. Find out where to send your application.
or
If you are in New Zealand, you must send your application to your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch.

 
For more information on how to apply for a work visa or permit, download our Guide for Working in New Zealand (NZIS 1016) PDF.