PSWV
Post Study Work Visa
The Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) is also called a graduate work visa, and is a type of work visa that can be applied for after successfully completing a degree to provide opportunities for practical experience and employment after graduating from a New Zealand school.
Application Requirements
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Upon successful completion of a Level 7 bachelor's programme with a minimum of 30 weeks of study in New Zealand
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Upon successful completion of Level 8 to 10 qualifications with a minimum of 30 weeks of study in New Zealand
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For non-degree Level 7 or below qualifications that are on the Qualification Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa list and the programme was completed in New Zealand
Visa Duration
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3-year work visa issued after graduation for Level 9 or above master's or doctoral programmes
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Work visa issued for a period equal to the duration of study in New Zealand for Level 7 bachelor's or Level 8 programmes
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1-year work visa issued if the non-degree Level 7 or below programme is on the PSWV eligible list
Employable Conditions
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Bachelor's degree or above: Open Work Visa allowing work in any field, occupation or region
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Non-degree Level 7 or below: Employment only possible in occupations related to the field of study
Visa Application Fee and Processing Time
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Immigration fee – NZD1,670
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Processing time – Approximately 3 to 5 weeks
What are the visas for spouses and children during the PSWV period?
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Spouses can also apply for an Open Work Visa for the same period, and children are eligible for free education at public schools on the same basis as local students.
What are the visas for spouses and children during the study period?
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For Level 7 bachelor's or above, or Level 8 programmes on the Qualifications Eligible for a PSWV list or on the Green List.
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For Level 9 or above master's or doctoral programmes, spouse work visa and children's free education benefits are available during the study period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have a job title and job description that match my field of study?
One of the most important factors in a residence application assessment is whether you genuinely possess the skills required for the job offer. Residence applications are assessed based on skilled employment, and skills are demonstrated through qualifications and/or work experience.
In general, having a job title and job description that align with your academic background or work experience increases the likelihood of passing the skill assessment.
For example, in the case of a Chef position, you must have a relevant diploma qualification or at least related work experience to meet the skill requirements. Without relevant qualifications or experience, the job offer itself may not be recognised as skilled employment.
For an Open Work Visa, does the employer still need to complete a Job Check?
No. A Job Check is a mandatory requirement for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application.
However, a Job Check is not required for an Open Work Visa.
Do I need to earn the Median Wage at the time of my residence application?
Yes. Full-time work is defined as at least 30 hours per week, but the required hourly rate depends on the ANZSCO Skill Level of your occupation:
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Skill Level 1–3: Median Wage or above → NZD $35.00/hour
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Skill Level 4–5: 1.5× Median Wage or above → NZD $52.50/hour
Meeting the 30 hours per week requirement alone is not sufficient; you must also meet the wage requirement based on your skill level.
If the Median Wage increases, do I need to meet the new rate even if I previously met the old requirement?
Yes. The Median Wage at the time of your residence application is applied. Past compliance does not guarantee eligibility; your wage must meet the current INZ Median Wage standards at the time of application.
Skilled Work Experience points are awarded only if your employment meets the wage requirement for your skill level:
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Skill Level 1–3: Must meet or exceed the Median Wage.
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Skill Level 4–5: Must meet or exceed 1.5× the Median Wage.
Work experience is assessed per year, and wage compliance is checked for each year counted towards points.
* Note: Changes coming in late August 2026 will simplify Median Wage requirements for all SMC pathways. Applicants will only need to meet the wage rate that applied when they started their New Zealand skilled work experience, not the rate at the time of residence application.
What is a New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser?
The immigration adviser system, implemented from 4 May 2009, aims to protect migrants through accurate legal advice from advisers verified by the Immigration Advisors Authority under the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and to facilitate fast and efficient immigration processing through cooperation between immigration advisers and Immigration New Zealand. Therefore, when seeking immigration advice or applying for visas in New Zealand, it’s important to first verify that your adviser is a New Zealand government-licensed immigration adviser.
Licensed immigration advisers can be searched on the Immigration Advisors Authority website.
Verify New Zealand Government Licensed Immigration Adviser →
We hope you will safely pursue your study-to-immigration or immigration consultation with Education New Zealand-certified consultants who hold New Zealand government-licensed immigration adviser qualifications, and achieve your dreams in New Zealand together.
