How Can Students Move from Student Visa to Work Visa in NZ?

Moving from a student visa to a work visa in New Zealand is one of the most common — and achievable — pathways for international students who want to build a long-term career here.

If you’re studying (or about to graduate), the key is understanding your options early so you don’t miss deadlines or visa conditions.

Let’s break it down clearly.

Step 1: Apply for a Post Study Work Visa (PSWV)

For most students, the first step after completing your qualification is the Post Study Work Visa.

The Post Study Work Visa allows you to:

• Stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years
• Work for almost any employer
• Gain local experience in your field

Basic eligibility:

• You completed an eligible qualification in NZ
• Your qualification meets the required NZQF level
• You apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring (6 months for PhD graduates)
• You meet health and character requirements

You can check official details directly on Immigration New Zealand here:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/

This visa gives you breathing room. You don’t need employer sponsorship immediately — which is why it’s such an important transition stage.

Step 2: Find Skilled Employment

Once you’re on a Post Study Work Visa, your goal should be to secure a skilled role aligned with your qualification.

Why? Because your long-term pathway (including residence) often depends on:

• Your job skill level
• Salary threshold
• Whether your role appears on New Zealand’s skill shortage lists

You may want to check whether your occupation is on the Green List, which provides faster residence pathways for certain in-demand professions.

At this stage, many students struggle not because of visa rules — but because they don’t understand how the NZ job market works. CV style, networking, and employer expectations here are different from many other countries.

This is exactly where structured career guidance makes a difference. At BRIGENAI, we often help international graduates position themselves correctly before their student visa expires. You can explore practical career support options here:
👉 https://brigenai.com/

Step 3: Transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa (If Needed)

If you don’t qualify directly for residence, the next common step is applying for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

To qualify, you must:

• Have a job offer from an accredited NZ employer
• Be paid at or above the required wage threshold
• Meet skill and experience requirements

The AEWV is employer-specific, meaning your visa is tied to that company.

This is why your first graduate job matters — choosing the right employer can significantly affect your long-term visa stability.

Step 4: Plan for Residence Early

Some students wait too long to think about permanent residence. That’s risky.

New Zealand offers residence pathways such as:

• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
• Green List Straight to Residence
• Work to Residence pathways

Each has specific salary, occupation, and experience criteria.

The earlier you understand which pathway fits you, the smarter your job decisions will be.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Waiting until your visa is about to expire
• ❌ Taking unrelated, low-skilled jobs that don’t support residency
• ❌ Ignoring salary thresholds
• ❌ Not checking whether your qualification is eligible

Final Advice

Moving from student visa to work visa in NZ isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about strategy.

The smartest students:

• Research visa options in their final year
• Tailor their job search toward skilled roles
• Understand immigration policy before signing contracts

If you’re unsure which pathway fits your situation, getting structured career and migration guidance early can save you months of stress.

New Zealand rewards planning. Start before graduation — not after.

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