Post Study Work Visa
Are you done with your study in New Zealand? Immigration New Zealand offers you the option of getting a Post Study Work Visa to kick-start your career – you may work for any employer, do almost any job and gain some work experience for up to 3 years.
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New Zealanders are well-known for combining traditional methods with new ideas as they find solutions to get the job done. There is no place like New Zealand to launch your career.
Take advantage of the Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand offers to experience the country’s unique work culture. Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa if you have acceptable qualifications. Depending on where you attended school and your qualifications, you will be able to work in any occupation and for any employer for 1-3 years.
What are the Post Study Work Visa requirements?
INZ would need you to satisfy the following Post-Study Work Visa requirements to qualify for this work visa:
- You must have gained an acceptable qualification from a New Zealand educational establishment
- Your qualification must be level 4 or higher as per the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF)
- INZ will accept your visa application if your qualification is higher than level 7 as long as your course was longer than 30 weeks
- If your qualification is between levels 4-6, you must have obtained 2 qualifications with each being at least 30 weeks long and the last qualification must be at a higher level when compared to the first.
- English language must have been part of your study – English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) credentials will not help you meet Post-Study Work Visa requirements.
Post Study Work Visa New Zealand provides can only be availed once unless the beneficiary finishes another qualification equivalent to or higher than a bachelor’s degree.
How long can you stay in New Zealand on a Post-Study Work Visa?
The rules for how long you can stay in New Zealand on a Post-Study Work Visa vary based on when your student visa was approved and the geographical location of the NZ school you attended. In general, you are allowed to live in New Zealand between 1-3 years.
If INZ adjudicated your student visa application prior to August 8, 2018, you can stay in the country for 3 years on this visa. However, if your student visa was approved post that date, the length of stay is determined by the following factors:
| Qualification | Studied in Auckland | Post-Study Work Visa Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Level 7 bachelor's degree | NA | 3 years |
| Some other level 7 | Yes | 1 year |
| Some other level 7 and in the process of obtaining occupational registration with an agency included in a list of acceptable registration authorities | Yes | 1 more year |
| Some other level 7 achieved before Dec 31, 2021 | No | 2 years |
| Some other level 7 achieved after Dec 31, 2021 | No | 1 year |
| Level 4-6 | Yes | 1 year |
| Level 4-6 achieved before Dec 31, 2021 | No | 2 years |
| Level 4-6 achieved after Dec 31, 2021 | No | 1 year |
Your partner can work, and your dependent children qualify for free schooling just like the kids native to New Zealand when you are on the Post-Study Work Visa New Zealand offers. INZ also allows you to study for 3 months within a 12-month period.
As you can see, Post Study Work Visa requirements are quite involved and determining the duration of your Post-Study Work Visa is no child’s play – you must work with an immigration expert when you apply for Post-Study Work Visa.
If you have attended off-campus or distance education to gain your qualifications, you may still qualify, but you will need expert guidance to help you unravel your scenario. Immigration Advisers NZ has a lot of experience working with complex Post-Study Work Visa situations. Book a slot for an absolutely free consultation with one of our licensed immigration professionals.
How much time and money does it take to obtain a Post-Study Work Visa?
New Zealand Post-Study Work Visas are typically processed by the INZ within 51 days. However, personal circumstances that need extensive evidence gathering and presentation, such as Health Issues and Character Issues may lead to increased processing times.
Our Auckland-based immigration professionals are committed to getting your Post Study Work Visa fast and cheap. Contact us to reserve your slot for a 100% free consultation with one of our immigration experts to see how we can help your case.