New Zealand Category Post-study work visa Subclass

To apply for this visa, you must meet the following visa conditions:

Genuine intentions: You must sincerely intend to meet the conditions of your visa

New Zealand Qualification: You must have finished a qualification in New Zealand. You must provide all required documents that must include a copy of your acceptable qualification, or a letter or academic transcript from your tertiary education provider which confirms you have successfully completed your qualification.

Work visa application: You must apply for a work visa no later than 3 months after your student visa expires, or 6 months if you were granted a visa to complete a doctorate. New Zealand Immigration will check their records to make sure that you’re applying in time. You won’t be eligible to apply if you didn’t complete the qualification recorded on your Student Visa.

Sufficient Funds: You must have enough money to live on while you’re in New Zealand. You need to provide evidence that you have at least NZD $4,200 when you apply. Evidence can include:

• bank statements
• credit card statements
• bank drafts
• travellers’ cheques.

This applies to all Post-study work visa applications for 1, 2 or 3 years.

Step 1 – Successfully earn your academic qualification

If you have properly completed your New Zealand education, you can apply for a post-study work visa. You will have 3 months after your student visa ends (or 6 month if your study was for a doctorate) to apply for this visa. You must remain on a valid visa at all times while you are in New Zealand.

Step 2 – Apply for a work visa

Apply online, upload your documents and pay applicable fees.

Step 3 –Decision about your application.

If there is anything else you need to do, Immigration New Zealand will be in touch.

If you are staying in New Zealand, and your ongoing temporary visa expires before your new visa is granted, Immigration New Zealand will generally approve you an interim visa in order to let you stay in New Zealand lawfully.

• Work Visa Guide (INZ 1016) – A guide for applying for a work visaPDF 312KB
• Work Visa Application (INZ 1015)PDF 319KB
• Completed, signed application form.
• Application fee and levies.
• Two passport-sized colour photographs.
• Passport or travel document
• Medical and chest X-ray certificates if required
• Police certificates if required
• A job offer and a job description, including:
• name and contact details of person offering
• employment
• correct legal name of the employer (legal name of
• the organisation)
• your name (as specified in your passport)
• your address
• job title
• location of employment
• type of work, duties and responsibilities of the position
• pay and conditions
• how many hours you will work each week (note: clauses that indicate the hours of work may fall below 30 hours will not be accepted)
• qualifications, experience or training required
• duration of job (note: the duration of the visa is not a reason to offer fixed term employment)
• how long the job offer is open
• Proof of qualifications relevant to the job offer.
• Proof of work experience relevant to the job offer.
• Proof they have met or are able to meet any necessary
• New Zealand registration requirements.

Visa application fee: NZD$332

This is the charge for Immigration New Zealand to process your application. Immigration New Zealand does not refund application costs if your application is refused or rejected.

A non-refundable immigration levy is charged and is included in the cost.