How Long Can Graduates Stay in NZ After Study?
How long can you stay in New Zealand after graduation? Learn about the Post Study Work Visa duration, eligibility, and your next steps.
How Long Can Graduates Stay in NZ After Study?
If you’re finishing your qualification in New Zealand, one of the biggest questions is: How long can I stay after graduation?
The answer depends mainly on your qualification level, where you studied, and whether you meet the visa requirements.
Most international graduates apply for the Post Study Work Visa, which allows you to stay and work in New Zealand after completing an eligible qualification.
How Long Is the Post Study Work Visa Valid?
In general:
- Bachelor’s degree (Level 7) or higher – You can usually stay for up to 3 years.
- Level 7 Graduate Diploma – Duration may depend on the length of your study and field.
- Level 8–10 (Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, PhD) – Typically eligible for up to 3 years.
- Non-degree Level 7 or below – Must be in an approved qualification and linked to skill shortages to qualify.
The exact visa length is usually aligned with the time you studied in New Zealand, but many degree graduates receive the full 3-year visa.
You can check official criteria directly on the Immigration New Zealand website:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/
Key Conditions You Should Know
Here’s what often surprises graduates:
- You must apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring (or 6 months for doctoral graduates).
- Your qualification must be completed in New Zealand.
- You must meet health, character, and insurance requirements.
- In some cases, your qualification must appear on the Green List or relate to an in-demand occupation.
If your goal is long-term residence, this visa is usually a bridge step, not the final destination.
What Happens After the Post Study Work Visa?
The Post Study Work Visa gives you valuable time — but what you do during that time matters.
Many graduates aim to:
- Secure a skilled full-time job
- Move into a role on the Green List
- Become eligible for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
- Transition into an employer-accredited work visa
The strategy depends heavily on your industry, salary level, and whether your occupation is considered skilled.
This is where many international graduates struggle — not because they lack talent, but because they don’t fully understand the migration pathway early enough.
Practical Advice for Graduates
From a career planning perspective, don’t wait until your visa is about to expire.
Start thinking about:
- Is your role considered skilled under immigration rules?
- Does your salary meet eligibility thresholds?
- Is your employer accredited?
- Is your occupation on the Green List?
If you’re unsure, it helps to map your qualification → job → visa pathway clearly. At BRIGENAI, we guide international graduates through this exact process — combining career strategy with visa awareness.
You can explore our career planning resources here:
https://brigenai.com/
Final Thoughts
Most graduates can stay up to 3 years in New Zealand after study — but your long-term future depends on the choices you make during that period.
Think of the Post Study Work Visa as your opportunity window. The earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have.
If you're graduating soon, now is the time to build both your career strategy and migration plan together — not separately.
