Benefits of the NZ Post Study Visa

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Benefits of the NZ Post Study Visa

The post study visa gives you the ultimate in flexibility. Once you’ve completed your eligible course of study, it allows you to live and work in NZ for up to three years, working in almost any role for any employer. This means you can take your time to find the perfect role that opens the door to permanent residency. You can bring your family with you, and your partner can apply for a work visa. Your children can attend school free of fees. You are also able to study while on the post-study work visa, for up to three months or as mandated by your employer. You can have multiple entry visa, which allows you to travel in and out of NZ as required. It’s a highly flexible visa, designed to get qualified graduates to stay in NZ once they’ve finished their degrees so they can get into in-demand roles. Are you ready to talk to an expert about the Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand? Then contact us today!

Work life in NZ

NZ has a laid-back work culture. While the working week is 40 hours Monday to Friday, it’s a typical Kiwi attitude. Most employers allow flexibility in their arrangements if they can accommodate you.

While Kiwis work hard, they also like to have a balance with time for family and friends- life is for living, not slaving away at your job.

NZ has one of the best standards of living anywhere in the world. It’s no wonder that people from all over the world want to live there- small cities, friendly people, good levels of safety and security, and a good healthcare system.

How to apply for the post study visa

1. First thing to note is that you must apply for this visa within three months of your study completion/ student visa expiring. If you completed a doctorate degree, you can apply within six months from degree completion.

2. Currently, 90% of applications are processed within 33 days. You can apply on paper or online. Online is recommended as it makes communication faster and simpler.

3. Ensure you have all valid documents ready for your application. This includes:

  • a completed INZ 1015 work visa application

  • the application fee of NZ$495

  • receiving centre fees, this varies across different countries

  • valid passport

  • education certificates

  • English certificate

  • medical certificate or chest x-ray showing you are in good health

  • cover letter

  • police certificate/s proving you are of good character

  • a copy of your qualification or academic transcript from your institution confirming you have completed your course and gained a qualification

  • proof of funds (at least NZ$4,200 as at July 2021)

4. Apply online through the NZ Immigration site, which directs you to create a ‘RealMe’ account, which is NZ’s internal affairs site.

5. Pay the relevant fees.

6. Await immigration’s decision, or they may advise they need more information. This will happen through the RealMe portal. Immigration may contact you and ask for more information. If you are in NZ and your current visa is due to expire, they will usually issue an interim visa so you can stay in NZ legally until your new visa is awarded.

Your rights on the post-study work visa

The post-study visa gives you the ability to:

  • stay for one, two, or three years

  • work for any employer

  • be employed in almost any role in NZ except commercial escort services

  • bring your partner and dependent children with you

  • your partner can apply for a work visa

  • a multi-entry visa allows you to travel to and from NZ as required

  • study for up to three months each year or as directed by an employer

What qualifications allow you to apply for a post study work visa?

In general terms, you must have studied in NZ, and your qualification must be at least a level four on the NZQA framework.

If you studied on levels four to six, the degree must have spanned at least 60 weeks. Alternatively, you can have achieved two qualifications of at least 30 weeks of study, with your second qualification being higher than the first.

If your qualification is level seven or more, the course must have been a minimum of 30 weeks in duration.

Unfortunately, students who came to NZ to study English are not eligible for this visa.

How long can you work on a post study working visa?

Important update: As of May 11, 2022, international students in New Zealand can only apply for one post-study work visa (PSWV) in their lifetime. This means that once you've been granted a PSWV, you cannot apply for another one, even if you complete a new qualification.

The PSWV allows eligible students to stay in New Zealand and work for up to three years after completing their studies. The duration depends on the level of your qualification and where you studied in New Zealand.

Key points to remember about PSWVs:

  • Qualification level: Your qualification must meet Immigration New Zealand's criteria. This includes:

    • A qualification at Level 7 (bachelor's degree) or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) framework.

    • A Level 4-6 qualification that aligns with skilled employment needs in New Zealand.

  • Work restrictions:

    • Degree (Level 7 or above): You can work for any employer in any job if your qualification was full-time and at least 30 weeks long.

    • Non-degree (Level 6 or below): Your work must be related to your field of study. Additionally, your studies must have been full-time, for the entire duration, and the qualification must be on the Immigration New Zealand list.

Further information:
- Immigration New Zealand website
- Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa

Can you bring your family if you have a post-study work visa?

You can bring your family with you on a post-study work visa. Your partner can get a work or visitors visa, and your children are eligible for a visitor visa or a student visa. Your children may be able to study fee free as domestic students.

Start your journey towards NZ permanent residency today

If PR in Aotearoa is your goal, then a post study visa gives you the time you need to find the perfect job. Contact IDP to find out how you can study in NZ, how the post study visa works, and what skills are in-demand. Make yourself an immigration candidate that NZ wants, and have the life you’ve always wanted.