New Zealand is a popular destination for international students who want to pursue higher education in a diverse and welcoming country. The country boasts of some of the world’s top universities, such as the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, and the University of Canterbury, that offer a wide range of courses and degrees in various disciplines. New Zealand also has a rich culture and natural beauty that attracts students from different backgrounds and interests. According to the latest statistics, New Zealand hosted 39,005 international students in 2021, a significant number compared to its population of 5 million. The majority of these students came from China, India, the Philippines, and the United States. One of the main attractions of studying in New Zealand is the opportunity to stay and work in the country after graduation. New Zealand post-study work visa is a type of work permit that allows eligible students to work for up to three years, depending on their level and duration of study. This visa enables students to gain valuable work experience in their field of study and contribute to the New Zealand economy and society. The post-study work visa also opens up the possibility of applying for a skilled migrant visa or a resident visa, if the students meet the criteria. The post-study work visa is one of the most generous and flexible in the world, as it does not require a job offer or a specific employer.
In this article, we will explore the benefits and requirements of the post-study work visa in New Zealand. We will also provide some tips and advice on how to apply for and succeed in the post-study work visa.
New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa: Highlights
| Purpose | To allow recent graduates to stay and work in New Zealand and gain relevant experience |
| Duration |
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| Cost | From 700 NZD |
| Extension | No, this visa can only be applied for once |
What is a New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa?
The New Zealand post-study work visa is a type of visa that allows international students who have completed their studies in New Zealand to stay and work in the country for up to three years, depending on their level of qualification and the duration of their studies. The visa aims to attract and retain skilled graduates who can contribute to New Zealand’s economy and society.
The benefits of the post-study work visa include:
- It allows students to gain valuable work experience and skills in New Zealand, which can enhance their employability and career prospects in the global market.
- It allows students to work for any employer in any occupation, if they have a degree level 7 or above qualification, or work in a job that is related to their area of study if they have a non-degree level 7 or below qualification that is on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post Study Work Visa list.
- It enables students to apply for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category if they meet the criteria and have enough points
- It supports students’ partners and dependent children to join them in New Zealand, as they can apply for a work visa and a student visa respectively.
The length of your post-study work visa will depend on the level and duration of your study in New Zealand. You can stay for up to 3 years if you have a master’s or doctoral degree, or a degree level 7 or above qualification. You can stay for the same length as your study if you have a non-degree level 7 or below qualification that is on the Qualifications Eligible for Post Study Work Visa list. You must work in a job that is related to what you studied if your qualification is non-degree level 7 or below.
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New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa: Eligibility
The New Zealand post-study work visa is a type of visa that allows international students who have completed their studies in New Zealand to stay and work in the country for up to three years, depending on their level of qualification and the duration of their study. The visa aims to attract and retain skilled graduates who can contribute to New Zealand’s economy and society.
To be eligible for the post-study work visa, students must meet the following requirements:
- They must hold a student visa or have held one in the last 3 months.
- They must have completed an acceptable qualification in New Zealand within the last 3 years. An acceptable qualification is one that:
- is at least level 4 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF)
- involved at least 30 weeks of study in New Zealand
- gained points under the Skilled Migrant Category, if it is level 7 or below
- is on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post Study Work Visa list, if it is non-degree level 7 or below
- is a Graduate Diploma acceptable to the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, if it is for teaching
- They must apply within 3 months of the end date of their student visa, or 6 months if they were granted a visa to complete a doctorate.
- They must be in good health and have a chest x-ray and a medical examination if required.
- They must be of good character and provide police certificates if required.
- They must have a genuine intention to meet the conditions of their visa and not to provide commercial sexual services or operate or invest in a business that does.
- They must have enough funds to support themselves while in New Zealand, which is at least 4,200 NZD.
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New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa: Application Process
The application process for a New Zealand post-study work visa is as follows:
- Prepare the required documents, such as your ID, health certificates, character certificate, letter of intent, academic qualifications, and funds.
- Complete the online application form on the Immigration New Zealand website.
- You will need to provide evidence that you have completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand and are eligible to graduate.
- Pay the application fee. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer.
- Wait for the processing of your application, which may take up to 6 weeks. You can check the status of your application online.
- Receive the visa decision by email or post. If your application is approved, you will get a visa label or an eVisa. If your application is rejected, you will get a letter explaining why and how to appeal.
You can only apply for a Post-Study Work Visa once, and you must apply within 3 months of the end date of your student visa (or 6 months if you have a doctoral degree). The post-study work visa also does not guarantee a permanent stay in New Zealand, as it is a temporary visa that has an expiry date.
Graduates who wish to become residents of New Zealand have to apply for a different type of visa, such as the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa, which is based on a points system that assesses their skills, qualifications, work experience, age, and other factors. The SMC visa is a resident visa that allows people to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, and enjoy the benefits of being a New Zealand citizen, such as voting, traveling, and accessing public services. However, the SMC visa has strict eligibility criteria and a limited number of places available each year, which means not everyone who applies will be successful.
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Documents Required
To apply for a New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Evidence of your current visa or permit status in New Zealand.
- A completed application form.
- Proof of your qualifications, including transcripts and certificates.
- Evidence of sufficient funds to live on while you are in New Zealand, such as bank statements or a letter from your employer.
- A chest x-ray and/or medical examination, if required.
- A police certificate, if required.
- Evidence that you genuinely intend to meet the conditions of your visa, such as a job offer or a career plan.
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Cost and Processing Time
The processing time for a post-study work visa is not fixed, as it depends on several factors that may affect the speed and efficiency of the application process. Some of these factors are:
Country of origin: Different countries may have different processing times depending on the volume of applications, staff availability, and relationship with New Zealand. For example, applicants from India may experience longer processing times than applicants from Australia, due to the higher demand and the need for additional verification.
Level of study: The level of your qualification may also affect the processing time of your visa application. Generally, higher-level qualifications (such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, or doctorates) are processed faster than lower-level qualifications (such as diplomas or certificates), as they are more likely to meet the eligibility criteria and the skill shortage list.
Health and character issues: If you have any health or character issues that may affect your suitability for a visa, you may need to provide additional evidence or undergo further checks, which may delay your application. Health issues may include serious or contagious diseases, disabilities, or mental health conditions. Character issues may include criminal convictions, deportation orders, or security risks.
According to Immigration New Zealand, the official agency that handles visa applications, 80% of post-study work visa applications are processed within 6 weeks. This means that most applicants can expect to receive a decision on their visa within a month and a half of submitting their application. However, this is not a guarantee, as some applications may take longer or shorter than the average processing time.
The cost of applying for a post-study work visa also depends on your location and payment method. The base fee for online applications is 700 NZD. However, this is not the only fee that you may have to pay, as there may be additional fees for immigration levies, biometrics, courier services, or bank charges, depending on your situation.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the New Zealand Post-Study Visa is a great option for international students who want to stay and work in New Zealand after their studies. It can offer many benefits and opportunities. However, applying for this visa is not easy. You need to carefully review all the requirements and prepare a good application that demonstrates your eligibility and genuine intentions. Additionally, getting a Post-Study Work Visa is not a guarantee of finding a job in New Zealand. You still need to actively seek employment opportunities that match your skills and qualifications. You also need to follow the conditions of your visa, such as working in a job that is related to your field of study if your qualification is non-degree level 7 or below. You should use the time provided by the visa to find meaningful employment that can help you advance your career and contribute to the New Zealand economy and society. For more information on the same, contact our admissions experts at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!
