IMMINZ · IMMIGRATION GUIDE
Post-study work: check your qualification and timing
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What to check first
- Check the exact qualification title, level, study dates and completion evidence.
- Degree level 7 or higher and eligible non-degree qualifications have different work conditions.
- Confirm your application deadline: INZ lists different deadlines depending on your study and visa history.
Prepare for a useful first conversation
Have your completion letter, qualification details, student visa expiry and any previous post-study visa history ready. Ask for advice before committing to a job start date.
A common question
Does completing any NZ course qualify me?
No. Check the eligible qualification rules before relying on a post-study pathway. Your study history and the applicable deadline also matter.
Prepare your application file
- Study record: exact qualification title and level, transcripts, completion evidence and dates of full-time study in New Zealand.
- Visa record: current and previous student visas and any earlier Post Study Work Visa. Match the qualification to the visa used for that study.
- Timing record: completion date, student visa expiry and proposed work start. Check the deadline that applies to your study sequence.
A point worth checking early
Do not wait for a graduation ceremony before checking the application deadline. Completion evidence and visa dates matter. Keep lawful status while you arrange the next visa.
A dated change to check when planning study
From 16 November 2026, INZ has announced expanded eligibility for people who complete a level 7 graduate diploma full-time in New Zealand and hold a bachelor’s degree from NZ or overseas. This future change is not the rule for an application before that date; check the official page for the exact conditions.
Our published service fee
$500
This is the fee displayed on our service page. Confirm the scope and applicable costs before engaging us. Government charges, where applicable, are separate. Official processing estimates can change and are not guaranteed completion dates.
Discuss the support you need
Ask us to check the qualification, deadline and work conditions together, including how the next visa fits your longer-term plans.
We will confirm the work included and the applicable fees before you engage us. The checklist is a starting point; the documents required depend on your circumstances.
Related guides
Explore relevant options; moving between visas is not automatic. Each route has its own requirements.