WD4.1 Determining and granting a 2022 transitional Post-Study work visa (07/09/2022)

Despite all other provisions set out in WD4 instructions, an application for a post-study work visa under WD4 instructions made on or after 11 May 2022 will be declined unless:

1. the application for a post-study work visa was made before 11 May 2025; and
2. on 11 May 2022 the applicant either held a student visa based on a programme of study set out at WD4.1.1(a) or had made an application for a student visa based on a programme of study set out at WD4.1.1(a) that was subsequently approved, and in either case the applicant completed that programme of study; or
3. the applicant was granted a student visa based on a programme of study set out at WD4.1.1(a), and that student visa was granted on the basis of having a critical purpose for travelling to New Zealand under H5.25.15(c) because they belong to a class of individuals that meets the requirements of H5.30.21(c)(vi).

WD4.1.1 Determining a 2022 transitional Post-Study work visa application

Applicants may be granted a work visa if:

1. they hold:
   1. a qualification at level 7 to 10 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework that has been studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand; or
   2. a single qualification at level 4 to 6 that has been studied full-time for at least 60 weeks in New Zealand; or
   3. two qualifications at levels 4 to 6 that have been studied full-time for at least 60 weeks in New Zealand (including at least 30 weeks per qualification) and the second qualification is at a higher level than the first qualification; and
2. they apply no later than three months after the end date of their student visa for that programme of study or qualification(s) or, if the qualification was a Doctoral Degree, no later than six months after the end date of their student visa; and
3. they have successfully completed the qualification for which the student visa was granted; and
4. they have met the requirements set out at U11.1(d) if their studies have been supported under the New Zealand scholarship programme administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and
5. they have NZ$5,000 funds available to maintain themselves during their stay in New Zealand; and
6. they have not previously been granted a Post-Study work visa unless:
   1. they have undertaken and completed a second higher qualification that is either a New Zealand Bachelor’s degree or postgraduate qualification, and have studied that qualification full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks; or
   2. they are working towards occupational registration and meet the requirements at WD4.1.15; or
   3. 2018 transitional provisions apply (see WD4.5)
7. Despite (a)(i) and (c), a Doctoral degree student may provide evidence from their education provider confirming they have submitted their thesis for examination.

WD4.1.5 Currency and conditions

1. The currency of the work visa depends on the qualification(s) gained as set out in the table below:

1. A holder of a Post-Study work visa may work for any employer in any occupation in any location, subject to meeting E7.40.

Note: Study weeks include exam preparation time and exclude holiday periods.

WD4.1.15 Working towards occupational registration

1. Post-Study work visa holders who have successfully completed a level 7 Graduate Diploma may be granted an additional one-year Post-Study work visa (to a total of two years) if:
   1. they are in the process of gaining registration with a registration body; and
   2. they require an additional year of work experience to obtain the registration; and
   3. the registration body is included in the list of acceptable registration authorities at WD4.1.15.1.
2. To qualify for an additional one-year Post-Study work visa, applicants must currently hold a Post-Study work visa and provide:
   1. a copy of the qualifying level 7 Graduate Diploma; and
   2. evidence of provisional registration with an acceptable registration authority.

WD4.1.15.1 List of acceptable registration authorities

The following are acceptable registration authorities for the purposes of Post-Study work visa instructions:

• Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

Effective 07/09/2022