About this visa Post Study Work Visa - Open
People who have a New Zealand qualification that they completed in New Zealand, can apply for a visa to work in New Zealand. To be eligible, you must have an acceptable qualification. If you’re granted a work visa, you can do almost any work you like, for any employer in New Zealand.
With this visa you can
- Work for any employer.
- Work in almost any job New Zealand.
Things to note
- You can only apply for this visa once, unless you complete a second higher qualification that is either a New Zealand bachelor's degree or post-graduate qualification, which you spend at least 30 weeks in New Zealand studying for.
- You can’t provide commercial sexual services, or operate or invest in a business that does.
- You can't include a partner or dependent children in your visa application, but they can apply for visas based on their relationship to you.
The application process
1 Successfully complete your qualification
When you’ve successfully completed your New Zealand qualification you can apply for a post-study work visa.
You’ll have 3 months after your student visa ends (or 6 month if your study was for a doctorate) to apply for this visa.
2 Apply for a work visa
Check if you’re eligible to apply online, it’s faster and easier. You can then apply and pay online.
Or apply on the paper form and send it to us with your application fee, immigration levy, and your supporting documents.
You can use our Office and fees finder to find out how much you’ll need to pay, and where to send your application.
3 We make a decision about your application
We’ll process your application as soon as we can.
Most online applications are processed within 25 days, and most paper applications within 23 days, but it can take longer in some situations.
If there’s anything else you need to do, we’ll be in touch.
Please check that you meet the detailed criteria before you apply for a visa or travel to New Zealand
Use the filters to display detailed criteria and evidence
Work visa
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