Navigating Post-Study Work Visas in New Zealand: A Guide for International Students and Graduates

Are you an aspiring international student, currently studying in New Zealand, or considering it as your study destination, with hopes of staying and working in the country after completing your studies? Navigating the post-study work visa process is essential for a seamless transition into the New Zealand workforce.

To help you get started, here is an overview of the general requirements for obtaining a post-study work visa in this beautiful country. By understanding these requirements, you can pave the way for a successful career path and make the most of your time in New Zealand. Let's explore the possibilities together!

Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa

To be eligible for a post-study work visa, you must have successfully completed certain qualifications in New Zealand.

1. You studied a degree level 7 or above qualification.

2. You studied a non-degree level 7 or below qualification, and your qualification is on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa list.

Here are the key requirements:

1. Degree and Higher-Level Qualifications: If you have completed a qualification at level 8 to 10 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, or a degree qualification at level 7 studied full-time for at least 30 weeks, you may be eligible for a post-study work visa.

2. Specific Non-Degree Qualifications: Some non-degree qualifications at level 4 to 7 are also eligible for post-study work visas. These qualifications must be specified on the list of Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa, and you should have studied them full-time in New Zealand for the full duration required to obtain the qualification.

3. Timing of Application: You must apply for the post-study work visa no later than 3 months after the end date of your student visa for the qualification. If you have completed a Doctoral degree, you have up to 6 months after the end date of your student visa to apply. For those who completed a Bachelor's degree immediately followed by Honours or a Post-Graduate Diploma, you must apply within three months of the end date of your student visa for the second qualification.

4. Successful Completion: You must have successfully completed the qualification for which the student visa was granted. Doctoral students can instead provide evidence that they have submitted their thesis for examination.

5. Funds Requirement: You should have NZ$5,000 in funds available to maintain yourself during your stay in New Zealand.

6. No Previous Post-Study Work Visa: If you have been granted a post-study work visa before, you won't be eligible for another one.

Additional Evidential Requirements

For non-degree qualifications at levels 4 to 7, you might need additional evidence to prove that your course meets the knowledge requirements. This can be in the form of a declaration from you or a letter from your education provider confirming the course's compliance with the requirements.

Duration of Post-Study Work Visas

The duration of the post-study work visa varies depending on your qualifications:

1. Non-Degree Level 7 or Below (Level 4 to 7): The visa duration is equivalent to the full duration required to obtain that qualification.

2. Level 7 Bachelor's Degree or Level 8 Qualification: You can get a visa for the time spent studying in New Zealand, as determined by your education provider.

3. Level 9 or 10 Qualification (Master's or Doctoral Degree): You may be granted a 3-year visa.

4. Consecutive Qualifications: If you completed multiple qualifications, the visa duration will be the total time spent studying all qualifications, up to a maximum of three years.

5. Working Towards Occupational Registration or Affiliate Membership: If your qualification is non-degree level 7 or below, or a non-degree level 8 requiring occupational registration, you may be granted an additional year on your visa (up to a total of three years) if you are in the process of gaining registration or affiliate membership with specific organisations.

Work Opportunities with Post-Study Work Visas

Depending on the qualification, the post-study work visa may allow you to work for any employer in any occupation and location.

However, for non-degree qualifications at level 7 and below (levels 4 to 7), the work options may be restricted to the occupation related to the qualification as specified in the Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa list.

Conclusion

Navigating the post-study work visa process in New Zealand requires careful attention to the specific requirements based on your qualifications. Ensure that you meet the timing, qualification, and funding criteria to increase your chances of a successful application. Remember, seeking guidance from a qualified specialist can provide valuable assistance throughout the visa application process. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

About the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF)

You may learn more about the NZQCF (degree and non-degree levels) here. If the link is outdated search NZQA's website.

- Level descriptors for the NZQCF - link

- About qualifications and credentials - link

DISCLAIMER

The information presented by the author/s in this article (or anywhere else) is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. Each immigration case is unique, and any opinion expressed without considering individual circumstances is necessarily generic and may be incomplete. The author/s disclaim all liability for any consequences resulting from reliance on such generic information. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the author or any other person. For personalised legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances, it is essential to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer and you are strongly advised you seek such tailored legal (immigration) advice.