Employing students who are eligible to work after the completion of their studies in New Zealand

Which students are eligible?

• Students who have successfully completed a qualification in New Zealand that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category.

 

These students may apply for a graduate job search work visa or permit for up to 12 months. They must apply no later than three months after the end date of their student permit for that qualification.

 

• Students with a job offer relevant to their qualification and who successfully completed a course in New Zealand that:
  • took at least three years to complete, or
  • would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category.

 

These students may be granted a work visa or permit for up to two years to get practical experience suitable to their qualification. Students who are working towards obtaining membership or registration from a New Zealand professional association may be eligible for a work visa or permit for up to three years where they meet the Study to Work policy requirements. They must apply no later than three months after the end date of their student permit for the relevant course or qualification, or hold a graduate job search work permit.

People on student permits who then want to get a work visa or permit still need to meet our conditions for holding a New Zealand work visa or permit.