Post Study Work Permit in New Zealand for Indian Students

New Zealand Post Study Work Visa allows international students who've completed eligible qualifications to live and work in the country for up to three years. The duration of a PSW visa depends on the educational degree of the applicant. This visa offers great flexibility, as you can work in almost any role with any employer. It's a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable work experience in New Zealand after completing studies.

All international students who have graduated from New Zealand with a valid qualification can apply for a post-study work visa (PSW). It is a visa of varying lengths that lets international students work for any employer in New Zealand. If you manage to find a job that is relevant to your stream of course, then you can have your work visa extended for two years. 

New Zealand has over the years become one of the preferred study-abroad destinations for Indians and International students alike. The country has registered positive student footfall into the country, especially for top universities in New Zealand. Today, student-friendly policies such as post-study work permits, part-time work options, easy admissions, and a friendly environment have made students seriously consider New Zealand as their study abroad destination. 

Check: How to get PR in New Zealand after studying?

Latest Updates:

The duration of the Post-Study work visa in New Zealand has been increased. Now, an international student can stay up to 3 years in New Zealand after completing their studies to explore job opportunities in NZ. However, they must fulfil other eligibility criteria required for the PSW visa of NZ.

Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa in New Zealand

International applicants who have completed their education in New Zealand universities are eligible to apply for a PSW in New Zealand. The applicants are eligible to stay back for 3 years based on the length of their studies in New Zealand. These visa applications are assessed within 5 weeks, and 80% of the applicants are offered a PSW within this period.

The cost of applying for PSW visa of NZ from India is:

• Apply Online: NZD 1,670 (INR 86,330)
• Apply on Paper: NZD 1036 (INR 53,556) + INR 2,000 for Receiving Centre Fees

Related Reads

• 6 Reasons to Study in New Zealand
• Student Guide to New Zealand (NZ)

Who Can Apply for a Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?

You must apply for the PSW visa within three months of the end date of the New Zealand student visa. PhD students are allowed to apply up to six months after their student visa ends.

To apply for the PSW visa of New Zealand, you must have successfully completed a degree qualification that would gain points under the ‘New Zealand Immigration Skilled Migrant Category. Also, your qualifications must be either Level 4 or higher than that based on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).

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Post-Study Work Visa Rules for New Zealand

The Government of New Zealand, following a public consultation, has ushered in changes to immigration policies that impact post-study work rights for international students. Read on to understand what they are and how they are going to affect you. Here, for the benefit of our readers, we have provided the earlier version of the rule and how it has been changed for the students currently pursuing their course. 

Level 4 to 6 and non-degree Level 7 Qualifications:

• Earlier: Prior to the changes, students who studied for 24 months were entitled to a one-year open work visa and then a two-year employer-assisted work visa.
• After Change: Now, a two-year employer-assisted work visa has been removed, and a one-year open work visa is retained. However, those who pursue their education outside Auckland can get a two-year open work visa.

Bachelor-level qualifications:

• Earlier:  After 12 months of study, students were entitled to a one-year open work visa and a two-year employer-assisted work visa.
• After Change: A one-year open and two-year employer-assisted visa is replaced with a three-year open work visa.

Post-graduate level qualifications:

• Earlier: After pursuing 12 months of study, students were entitled to a one-year open work visa and after that, a two-year employer-assisted work visa.
• After Change: One-year open and two-year employer-assisted visa is replaced with a three-year open work visa.

These visa rules are applicable to those who hold a student visa or whose student visa application has been accepted by Immigration New Zealand:

To know more, go to Changes in Post-Study Work Rights for International Students in New Zealand

How to apply for a post-study work visa in New Zealand?

You can choose to apply through the INZ online application portal, Immigration Online, or through the print form INZ1015. You will need the following documents and a bank balance before applying:

• Work Visa application form INZ1015
• Evidence that you have completed your qualification
• Bank statement showing a balance of a minimum NZD 5,000
• Three months' bank statement
• Passport
• Two recent passport-size photographs

Read: New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time

Post-study Work Visa Duration in New Zealand

The duration of a Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand depends on your qualification and where you studied. Usually, the PSW visa of New Zealand is valid for up to three years. If you completed your course in New Zealand, you may be eligible for the full three-year work visa under current immigration rules.

The duration of a post-study work visa in New Zealand depends on the applicant's area of study and level. Area-wise wise there are three major distinctions which are beneficial factors in deciding the post-study work visa duration in New Zealand.

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