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

Which students are eligible?

• 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 under this policy. 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.

• Students who don't have a job offer, but who have successfully completed a qualification in New Zealand that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category of Residence Policy.

These students may apply for a graduate job search work visa or permit for up to six months, so they can make the move 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

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.