New Zealand Post Study Work Visa

Min investment

On request

Time to status

Up to 3 years depending on qualification level and how long you studied. Processing: 80% within about 3.5 weeks.

Path to citizenship

Immigration New Zealand states plainly that this visa can lead to a resident visa, which in turn leads to citizenship. Degree holders at level 7 or above have open work rights; below that, the job must meet requirements.

Residency requirement

Live and work in New Zealand; NZD 5,000 for living costs. The visa can be held only once.

Visa-free destinations

Not specified

Dual citizenship allowed

Not specified

Notes

Up to three years of work rights after an approved New Zealand qualification, from NZD 1,670, with 80% of applications decided in about 3.5 weeks — the fastest and cheapest post-study permit here. A degree at level 7 or above carries open work rights; below that the role must meet specified requirements. You must apply within 3, 6 or 12 months of your student visa expiring depending on what you studied, show NZD 5,000 in living costs, and you can hold this visa only once, so timing it is a one-shot decision. Partners can apply for a work visa and children study as domestic students. From 16 November 2026 eligibility widens to holders of a level 7 graduate diploma studied full-time in New Zealand plus a bachelor's degree earned anywhere.

About New Zealand

Healthcare

★★★★★

Safety

★★★★★

Cost of living

High

Climate

Temperate