Who Qualifies for the Full 3 Years?

‍The short answer

‍

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) says the visa lasts up to three years, depending on your qualification and how long you studied.

‍

The full three years is for graduates of a Master's (Level 9) or a doctoral degree (Level 10) who studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks. Other eligible qualifications can still give you an open work visa, but usually for a shorter period.

‍

For most qualifications at Level 8 or below, INZ gives a visa equal to the time you spent studying, as confirmed by your education provider. So a longer course generally means a longer visa, up to the maximum.

‍

What the Post-Study Work Visa is

‍

The Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) lets you stay and work in New Zealand after you finish your studies there. INZ lists the length of stay as up to 3 years, the cost as from NZ$1,670, and processing as 80% within 6 weeks. These figures can change, so check the INZ website when you apply.

‍

If you hold a degree at Level 7 or higher, the visa gives you open work rights, meaning you can do any legal job anywhere in New Zealand. You do not need a job offer to apply.

‍

Who qualifies: a quick guide

‍

The core rules every applicant must meet

‍

INZ sets some rules for everyone, whatever the level.

‍

• You studied in New Zealand. The qualification must be gained in New Zealand.
• You studied full-time. For degree-level qualifications, that means at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand.
• You completed the qualification. If you do not finish the qualification recorded on your student visa, INZ may not approve your PSWV.
• You apply on time. INZ is strict about timing.
• You have not had a PSWV before. You can only have this visa once.
• You meet health, character and genuine-intention requirements. INZ may ask for a chest X-ray, medical examination or police certificates.
• You have enough money. You must show at least NZ$5,000 to cover living costs.

‍

Why a Master's gets the full three years

‍

If you complete a Master's or doctoral qualification and studied in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks, you can work in New Zealand for three years. For a Master's, those 30 weeks must be studied while enrolled in the Master's programme itself.

‍

This detail matters. If you study a pathway programme or a diploma first, then move into a Master's, only the time spent in the Master's counts toward that 30-week requirement. Check this with your institution before you enrol.

‍

What about a Bachelor's degree?

‍

A Bachelor's degree at Level 7 qualifies you for a PSWV with open work rights, as long as you studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks. The length of the visa is based on the time you spent studying, confirmed by your provider.

‍

Failing a course or taking longer than your offer of place states does not extend the visa. The visa length follows the study time on your offer of place, not any extra time you needed.

‍

Non-degree qualifications: possible, but limited

‍

If your qualification is below degree level, you may still qualify, but only if:

‍

• it is on INZ's list of qualifications eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa,
• you studied it full-time in New Zealand for its full duration, and
• you take a job related to what you studied. This condition is written into your visa.

‍

This is a big difference from degree-level graduates, who can work in any job. If you are thinking of a diploma, check the INZ eligible list for your exact qualification before you enrol.

‍

What changes on 16 November 2026

‍

INZ has announced two changes starting Monday 16 November 2026.

‍

Level 7 graduate diplomas become eligible

‍

Graduates of an NZQCF Level 7 graduate diploma can apply if they:

‍

• studied it full-time in New Zealand for the full duration,
• were enrolled for the full duration (cross-crediting or recognition of prior learning does not count), and
• hold a bachelor's degree, completed in New Zealand or overseas, with no time limit on when it was awarded.

‍

The PSWV can be issued for the time spent studying the graduate diploma, up to a maximum of one year. You will need your bachelor's degree certificate and an official transcript.

‍

A new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa

‍

This new visa gives up to 6 months of open work rights for graduates who do not qualify for a PSWV. To be eligible, you need a Level 5 to 7 qualification studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks. It cannot be an English language, foundation or bridging qualification. You must also have at least NZ$5,000 and apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring. Work must be for an employer, and owning a business is not allowed.

‍

INZ has said more details will be published closer to the launch date, so check back before relying on it.

‍

Deadlines: when must you apply?

‍

In most cases you must apply no later than 3 months after your student visa expires. Exceptions include:

‍

• Doctoral degree: up to 6 months after your student visa expires, and you can apply after submitting your thesis.
• Bachelor's followed straight by an honours or postgraduate diploma: within 3 months of the end of your second student visa.
• Higher qualification finished in under 30 weeks: if you complete an eligible qualification and immediately finish a higher one in less than 30 weeks, you can apply based on the first one, within 12 months of that first student visa expiring.

‍

INZ checks its records to make sure you applied in time, and you must hold a valid visa the whole time you are in New Zealand.

‍

What you can and cannot do on the visa

‍

With a Level 7 or higher degree, you can do any legal work anywhere in New Zealand, as long as you hold any occupational registration the job needs. You can be a sole trader or own a business, but if you operate as an owner you cannot employ other people, directly or indirectly.

‍

You can study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period. Longer study needs a variation of conditions.

‍

Bringing family

‍

INZ says that with a PSWV, your partner can apply for a work visa and your dependent children can study as domestic students. Requirements still apply, so check the INZ page before you plan around this.

‍

What comes after the PSWV?

‍

The PSWV is a bridge, not a final destination. INZ says it can lead to a resident visa. Studying a qualification linked to a skill shortage may improve your chances of finding work, and INZ's Green List names roles that may qualify for residence immediately or after 2 years of work in New Zealand, depending on the role and your qualifications. Plan your study with the job market and your career goals in mind, not only the visa length.

‍