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The New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa is a one-of-a-kind work visa, which combines the right to work with considerable freedom to choose.
It is tailored for those wishing to obtain hands-on experience after successfully completing an approved course of study. The length of the visa varies depending on the course grade and duration. What makes it popular is that it may be a viable path for residence for many.
An old saying, originating from an ancient proverb and commonly ascribed to the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu (Laozi), goes,
‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’.
This New Zealand visa may be rightfully regarded as your first step towards New Zealand residency. Although it grants its holder only the right to work, rather than stay in the country indefinitely, it nevertheless offers a unique opportunity to have a taste of New Zealand second-to-none lifestyle and workplace culture. Besides, before applying you will have acquainted yourself with New Zealand education system, obtained a recognised qualification and will likely already have a clear understanding of your future career and your long-term goals.
The Post-Study Work Visa may be granted to graduate students after they successfully complete a qualification over a designated period of study. The school you studied at must offer a course leading to what the New Zealand Qualifications Authority will consider to be an acceptable qualification. The length of study will vary between at least 30 weeks and up to 3-4 years of full-time research on a PhD course.
The duration ranges between 1 and 3 years and usually correlates with the ranking of the course in the NZQA framework and the length of the course – the higher the position and the longer it was studied, the more time you will have on your visa.
To sum up, the instructions allow for sufficient time to apply after graduation.
The good news is, you do not need a job offer as this visa is an open one.
Generally, yes. Your partners may be able to work; moreover, your children may have access to primary and secondary schools on a par with New Zealand domestic students.
Post Study Work Visa, as part of the cohort of New Zealand temporary class visas, is no exception to all the general requirements applicable. The applicants need to show an acceptable standard of health, clean criminal record, and prove they are bona fide. In other words, bona fide means they have genuine intentions to work, study or visit.
Here is a brief look at the qualifications and duration of the programmes leading to a New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa. Regardless of how straightforward the instructions may seem, to be on the safe side you will need to give it a good thought. To rest assured you have made the right decision, we recommend turning to our immigration consultant for free advice. As a result, you can have some peace of mind knowing you are on the right track. Let us know how we can help at your 30-minute no-charge consultation today.
| Qualification completed and programme duration | A Post-Study Work Visa may be granted for: |
|---|---|
| i. a level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or level 8 to 10 qualification that has been studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand | Three years |
| ii. a level 7 Graduate Diploma that has been studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand | One year. Plus an additional one year, if the applicant is in the process of gaining registration with a registration authority and meets the requirements of WD3.1.15 Two years, if the study was undertaken outside of Auckland and completed by 31 December 2021 |
| iii. any other level 7 qualification that has been studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand | One year Two years, if the study was undertaken outside of Auckland and completed by 31 December 2021 |
| iv. a single qualification at level 4 to 6 that has been studied full-time for at least 60 weeks in New Zealand | One year Two years, if the study was undertaken outside of Auckland and completed by 31 December 2021 |
| v. two qualifications at levels 4 to 6 that have been studied full-time for at least 60 weeks in New Zealand (including at least 30 weeks per qualification) and the second qualification is at a higher level on the NZQF than the first qualification. The qualifications must have commenced in either the same or consecutive calendar years | One year Two years, if the study was undertaken outside of Auckland and completed by 31 December 2021 |
