Study to Work (Graduate Visas)

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Study to Work (Graduate Visas)

Overview:  Finish your studies in New Zealand and keep the adventure going. The Study to Work (Graduate) Visas let you stay, gain work experience, and kick-start your career. It’s your bridge from classroom to career in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.

This visa is for international students who have graduated from a New Zealand institution and want to work in New Zealand.

There are two streams:

  • Graduate Job Search Visa – for those who are looking for graduate work
  • Graduate Work Experience Visa – for those with a relevant job offer Graduate Job. Search Visa

Graduate Job Search Visa

Requirements

  • Have successfully completed a qualification in New Zealand that meets the study to work qualification requirements
  • Apply no later than three months (six months if you have completed a doctoral qualification after the end date of the student visa for that qualification
  • Provide evidence of a minimum of NZ $4,200 available for maintenance for 12 months 

The successful applicant will be granted a visa for up to 12 months.  Once a job offer is obtained, he/she can apply for another category pf visa to stay longer

Graduate Work Experience Visa

A student /graduate with a job offer in their area of study may apply for this visa

Requirements:

The applicant will need to provide evidence:

  • of the relevance of his/her job offer to the qualification, and
  • that he/she has successfully completed a qualification or qualifications in New Zealand that meets the Study to Work qualification requirements

This visa is valid for:

  1. two years, or
  2. three years, if the successful applicant is working towards obtaining a membership or registration from a New Zealand professional association which requires more than two years of relevant practical work experience

If you are applying for (b) (a three-year visa to complete professional membership/registration) the applicant must provide further evidence of:

  • how the New Zealand qualification meets the requirements for registration or membership of the professional association
  • how that membership/registration is necessary for a professional occupation
  • how the employment offer is considered relevant practical experience by the professional association

The application for a work visa must be made no later than three months (six months for a doctoral qualification) after the end date of the student visa for that course or qualification, unless the applicant holds a Graduate Job Search Work Visa

Take Away Points

🎓 Gain valuable work experience after your studies.
🌏 Explore career opportunities across New Zealand.
🕒 Enjoy flexible visa durations to suit your plans.
💼 Build industry connections for your future career.
🏞️ Experience life in a safe, vibrant, and scenic country.

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