If you are studying in New Zealand and you want to stay and work here after you have completed your studies, you may be eligible for a work visa and/or permit under our Study to Work Policy.
All applicants need to meet our health and character requirements. The other requirements you need to meet depend on whether you have a job offer.
Students with a job offer
If you are a student with an offer of employment relevant to your qualification, you may be eligible for a work visa and/or permit for a maximum period of:
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two years; or
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three years, if you are working towards obtaining a membership or registration from a New Zealand professional association which requires more than two years of relevant practical work experience.
You will need to provide evidence that:
- you have a job offer that is relevant to your qualification, and
- you have successfully completed a course in New Zealand that took at least three years to complete, or
- you have successfully completed a qualification in New Zealand that would qualify for points points under the Skilled Migrant Category of our Residence Policy.
If you are applying for a three-year work permit because you are working towards obtaining a membership or registration from a New Zealand professional association (such as the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants or the New Zealand Registered Architects Board), you need to provide us with more evidence.
- You must show that you need membership or registration to fully perform your professional duties.
- You must show that the employment is considered relevant practical experience by the professional association. Evidence might include documentation from the professional association, or from the employer, which says how the employment meets the association’s requirements.
- You must show that your New Zealand qualification meets the requirements for registration or membership of the professional association.
Your application for a work visa and/or permit must be made no later than three months after the end date of your student permit for that course or qualification, unless you hold a Graduate Job Search Work Permit.
We will apply conditions of Work Visas and Permits that relate to your practical experience.
Students without a job offer
If you are a student who has completed a qualification in New Zealand, but you do not have a job offer, you may be eligible for a Graduate Job Search Work Visa and/or Permit for a maximum of 12 months. Then, when you have found a job, you can apply for a further permit for up to two or three years under Study to Work Policy.
To be eligible for a Graduate Work Search Permit you must:
- have successfully completed a qualification in New Zealand that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category
- apply no later than three months after the end date of the student permit for that qualification
- provide evidence of a minimum of NZ$2,100 available to maintain yourself during your 12-month stay in New Zealand (we will accept traveller's cheques or bank documents in your name).
This policy does not apply to holders of Limited Purpose permits.
Apply
If you think you meet the requirements, find out how to apply.