Are you an international student studying in New Zealand and looking for an opportunity to stay and work after completing your degree? Look no further than the New Zealand Post Study Work Visa. In this guide, we will cover all the essential information you need to know about this visa.

Key Takeaways

• The New Zealand Post Study Work Visa allows international students to stay in New Zealand and work for up to three years after completing their studies.
• To be eligible for this visa, you must have completed a degree or qualification in New Zealand that meets certain requirements.
• There are two categories of visas available under the Post Study Work Visa scheme, depending on the duration of the course you studied in New Zealand.
• The application fee for this visa is NZD 485, and it can take up to three months to process.
• You can switch to other types of visas or apply for permanent residency while on this visa.

What is the New Zealand Post Study Work Visa?

The New Zealand Post Study Work Visa is a visa that allows international students to stay and work in New Zealand after completing their qualifications. It is one of the many initiatives by the Government of New Zealand to attract and retain international talent in the country.

Who is Eligible for this Visa?

To be eligible for this visa, you must have:

• Completed a minimum of a level 7 qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher) from a New Zealand institution that meets certain requirements.
• Studied in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks.
• Applied for this visa within three months of the end date of your student visa.
• Met the English language, health, and character requirements.

Categories of the New Zealand Post Study Work Visa

There are two categories of visas available under the Post Study Work Visa scheme, depending on the duration of the course you studied in New Zealand:

Post Study Work Visa (Open)

If you completed a course that was less than two years long, you can apply for a Post Study Work Visa (Open) that allows you to stay and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months.

Post Study Work Visa (Employer Assisted)

If you completed a course that was two years or longer, you can apply for a Post Study Work Visa (Employer Assisted) that allows you to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years. This visa requires you to have a job offer related to your qualification and meet certain conditions.

How to Apply for the New Zealand Post Study Work Visa

To apply for this visa, you need to complete the following steps:

1. Gather all the required documents, including your passport, student visa, proof of qualification, and others.
2. Submit an online application on the Immigration New Zealand website and pay the application fee of NZD 485.
3. Wait for the visa processing time, which can take up to three months.
4. If your application is approved, you will receive the visa via email.

Benefits of the New Zealand Post Study Work Visa

The New Zealand Post Study Work Visa offers several benefits, such as:

• You can stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years, giving you plenty of time to gain valuable work experience.
• You can switch to other types of visas or apply for permanent residency while on this visa.
• You can bring your partner and dependent children with you to New Zealand.

FAQs

1. Can I travel outside New Zealand while on this visa?

Yes, you can travel outside New Zealand while on this visa, but you need to ensure that you have a valid visa to re-enter New Zealand.

2. Can I extend my Post Study Work Visa?

No, you cannot extend your Post Study Work Visa. However, you can apply for a different type of visa, such as a work visa or a visitor visa, if you are eligible.

3. Can I include my partner and dependent children in my application?

Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your application if they meet the visa requirements.