Can International Students Stay and Work in New Zealand After Graduation?

If you’re studying in New Zealand — or planning to — one of the biggest questions is: Can I stay and work after I graduate?

The short answer is yes, in many cases you can. But the pathway depends on your qualification level, where you studied, and what kind of job you secure after graduation.

Let’s break it down clearly.

1️⃣ The Main Option: Post Study Work Visa

Post Study Work Visa

The Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) is the most common pathway for international graduates who want to remain in New Zealand.

If you complete an eligible qualification at Level 7 or above on the NZ Qualifications Framework (such as a bachelor’s degree, postgraduate diploma, or master’s), you may be eligible for:

• Up to 3 years of open work rights
• The ability to work for almost any employer
• The flexibility to gain relevant local work experience

For Level 4–6 qualifications, eligibility depends on whether your qualification is on the government’s approved list and aligned with skill shortages.

You can check full criteria on the official Immigration New Zealand website:
👉 https://www.immigration.govt.nz/

2️⃣ Does Your Job Need to Match Your Degree?

In most cases, yes — especially for lower-level qualifications.

For bachelor’s and higher degrees, the rules are more flexible. However, if your long-term goal is residence, your job should ideally:

• Be full-time
• Be paid at or above the median wage (in many cases)
• Be relevant to your qualification
• Be classified as skilled under ANZSCO

If your job isn’t aligned, it may limit your ability to transition to residence later.

3️⃣ Can You Get Permanent Residence After?

This is where strategic planning becomes important.

Many graduates aim to move from a Post Study Work Visa to residence through:

• The Skilled Migrant Category
• The Green List pathways
• Employer-sponsored roles

For example, roles on the Green List may offer “Straight to Residence” or “Work to Residence” options.

Immigration New Zealand manages these pathways and updates requirements regularly.

Because policies change, it’s important to align your career choices with immigration strategy, not treat them separately.

4️⃣ How Long Can You Stay After Graduation?

You must apply for your Post Study Work Visa within the required timeframe after your student visa expires.

Once approved, your stay depends on:

• Your qualification level
• When you completed your studies
• Policy settings at the time of application

Most bachelor’s or master’s graduates can expect up to 3 years.

5️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid

From experience working with international graduates, here are the biggest pitfalls:

• ❌ Taking any job without considering long-term visa impact
• ❌ Waiting too long to apply
• ❌ Not checking if your qualification is eligible
• ❌ Ignoring salary thresholds

At BRIGENAI, we often see students focus only on “getting a job” — but what really matters is getting the right job that supports both your career and your visa pathway.

Final Thoughts

Yes — international students can absolutely stay and work in New Zealand after graduation.

But staying successfully requires:

• The right qualification
• The right visa timing
• The right career strategy

If you’re currently studying in New Zealand or planning your move, start thinking about your post-study pathway early. Your degree is only the first step — your immigration and career plan should go hand in hand.

If you’d like help mapping your career and visa options together, explore more resources at:
👉 https://brigenai.com/