Post-study work guidance for eligible New Zealand graduates, with clear INZ rules on qualifying study, application timing, work conditions, funds, fees and eVisa processing.
Last Updated: 5 October 2026
The New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa is a one-time work visa for eligible international graduates who have recently completed qualifying study in New Zealand. It can allow a graduate to stay and work for up to 3 years, with the visa duration and employment conditions determined by the qualification completed and the study undertaken in New Zealand. A job offer is not required. Degree level 7 or higher graduates generally receive open work conditions, while eligible non-degree level 7 or lower graduates must work in a role related to what they studied.
Applicants must have completed an eligible New Zealand qualification, apply within the required post-study timeframe, show at least NZD 5,000 for living expenses and meet INZ health, character and genuine-intention requirements. Applications are submitted online, and approved visas are issued as eVisas. INZ has also announced that from 16 November 2026, eligibility will extend to certain NZQCF Level 7 Graduate Diploma graduates who studied the full qualification in New Zealand and already hold a bachelor's degree.
Document Checklist
Passport / Travel Document: Valid passport or other travel document. For an online application, upload the required passport copy; the passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand. INZ will advise if the original passport is required later.
Previous Passport(s) & Travel History: Copies of previous passport(s), visas and relevant entry/exit records to support the applicant's travel history and ensure consistency with the information declared in the application.
Immigration Online Application, Photo & Translations: For an online application, complete the Post-Study Work Visa application through INZ’s Immigration Online system using a RealMe login, upload an acceptable visa photo and pay the applicable fee. Certified English translations are required for non-English police and medical certificates, together with copies of the originals.
Cover Letter: Applicant's signed letter summarising the New Zealand qualification completed, study timeline, current visa status, intended post-study work plans and relevant personal circumstances. The information should remain consistent with the online application and supporting evidence.
New Zealand Qualification Completion Evidence: Provide a copy of the completed qualification, academic transcript or a letter from the New Zealand tertiary education provider confirming successful completion. A Doctoral student may apply after submitting the thesis for examination if the education provider confirms this.
Student Visa & New Zealand Study Evidence: Copies of the relevant New Zealand student visa(s), offer(s) of place and provider records showing the qualification level, full-time study and required period completed in New Zealand. Degree level 7 or higher study generally requires at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand; eligible non-degree level 7 or lower study must meet the listed qualification and duration rules.
Application Timing Evidence: Apply within the INZ deadline linked to the qualifying study. Most applicants must apply no later than 3 months after the relevant student visa ends; Doctoral graduates have up to 6 months, while limited consecutive-study situations can allow a 12-month window. Maintain lawful immigration status while in New Zealand.
Proof of Living Funds: Recent bank statements in the applicant's name showing at least NZD 5,000 available for living expenses. INZ applies this minimum whether the Post-Study Work Visa sought is for 1, 2 or 3 years.
Health Evidence: Chest X-ray and/or medical examination evidence where required by INZ based on the intended stay and health history. Applicants staying more than 6 months may need a chest X-ray where TB rules apply; INZ may request medical evidence after lodgement.
Police Clearance Certificate: Police clearance certificate where required by INZ. Applicants aged 17 or older whose total time in New Zealand will reach 24 months or more may need certificates from relevant countries, subject to INZ's validity and previous-certificate rules.
Proof of Legal Residence in Bangladesh (where applicable): Applicants who are not Bangladeshi nationals should provide evidence of lawful residence in Bangladesh.
Civil Status Documents: Marriage certificate, birth certificate or other relationship evidence where relevant to separate partner or dependent-child applications supported by the Post-Study Work Visa holder.
Qualification-Specific Work Evidence: For an eligible non-degree level 7 or lower qualification, evidence should support that the intended employment is related to the field of study, because this requirement is normally reflected in the visa conditions. A job offer is not required to lodge a Post-Study Work Visa application.
Process Roadmap
Step 1
Confirm the Qualification Is Eligible
Check the qualification level, New Zealand study duration and any occupation-related condition that applies to the completed programme.
Step 2
Check the Application Deadline
Confirm the relevant 3-, 6- or permitted 12-month application window and make sure lawful visa status is maintained while in New Zealand.
Step 3
Prepare the Post-Study Evidence
Gather qualification completion records, student visa and study evidence, NZD 5,000 living funds, passport, translations and health or character documents where required.
Step 4
Apply Online & Pay the Fee
For an online application, sign in to INZ’s Immigration Online system using your RealMe login, complete the Post-Study Work Visa application, upload the supporting evidence and acceptable photo, and pay the applicable government charge.
Step 5
INZ Assesses the Application
INZ checks eligibility, study history, timing, funds, genuine intentions and health or character requirements, and may request further evidence.
Step 6
Check the Decision & Work Conditions
If approved, review the eVisa validity and work conditions carefully, particularly any study-related employment restriction for a non-degree qualification.
Common Rejection Pitfalls
Qualification or Study Does Not Meet PSWV Rules
How UnivEase helps
We help review the qualification level, full-time New Zealand study period and INZ eligibility list so the application is based on the correct qualifying study.
Application Submitted Outside the Eligible Timeframe
How UnivEase helps
We help identify the correct post-study deadline from the applicant's student visa and study sequence and organise the supporting dates clearly before submission.
Insufficient or Unclear NZD 5,000 Funds
How UnivEase helps
We help review the required funds and recent bank evidence in the applicant's name so the minimum maintenance requirement is presented clearly and consistently.
Work Conditions or Previous PSWV History Overlooked
How UnivEase helps
We help clarify whether the qualification carries open or study-related work conditions and check the one-time PSWV rule to reduce avoidable eligibility errors.
VFS & Embassy
Embassy
New Zealand Diplomatic Representation for Bangladesh
New Zealand High Commission to Sri Lanka
Address: Unit 2401-2402, Level 24, One Galle Face Tower, 1A Centre Road, Galle Face, 00200 Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Telephone: +94 11 217 4717
Email: NZHCColombo@mfat.govt.nz
Accreditation: Bangladesh, Maldives and Pakistan
Visa Processing: The High Commission does not accept visa applications or participate in visa processing; this is handled by Immigration New Zealand.
Visa Queries: Immigration New Zealand online services / Contact Centre.
Address: Concourse Floor, Baba Kadak Singh Marg, Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001, India.
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00-15:00
Passport Handling: Submit an original passport only if requested by INZ, and follow INZ instructions on the appropriate VAC or INZ office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prepare your New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa with greater clarity.
Get clear guidance on qualifying study, application deadlines, living funds, work conditions, supporting documents, INZ fees, processing time, eVisa and passport-handling steps before you apply.
