Jumpstart International
STUDENT VISA

Stay and work after you graduate.

The Post Study Work Visa lets eligible graduates work in New Zealand after study. It's an open 3-year visa for Level 7+ degrees, with pathways toward residence for high-demand graduates.

Check Eligibility

This is general guidance only and visa rules change often. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official Immigration New Zealand website.

Eligibility

Is this right for you?

A quick look at what this visa typically asks for. Tick most of these and you're in good shape, and we'll help you sort the rest.

  • Qualification

    Level 7+ degree

    A Level 7 bachelor's degree or higher earns the open visa; some lower non-degree qualifications on the approved list also qualify.

  • Visa length

    Up to 3 yrs (open)

    A degree-level qualification earns an open work visa for up to three years.

  • Apply within

    3 months

    Apply within three months of your student visa expiring.

  • Funds

    NZ$5,000

    Show around NZ$5,000 to support yourself while you look for work.

  • INZ fee

    ~NZ$1,670

    Immigration NZ's application fee is around NZ$1,670, plus levies.

  • Job offer

    Not required

    No job offer is needed for the open (degree-level) post-study work visa.

The Process

Three steps to your visa approved.

We guide you through your application in three simple steps, from eligibility check to visa in hand.

Check which visa your qualification unlocks.

What you'll need

  • Completion letter or transcript (Level 7+ for the open visa)
  • Whether you take the open or employer-specific route
  • Current student visa details and expiry date
  • 3–5 days

How we help

A Level 7 degree or higher unlocks the open 3-year visa; a lower qualification ties you to a specific employer, and short courses may point you to the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa instead. Your partner adviser confirms exactly which visa your qualification unlocks before you apply, not after graduation.

Apply before the window closes.

What you'll need

  • Application lodged within 3 months of visa expiry
  • Valid passport
  • Evidence of funds to support yourself
  • 1–2 weeks

How we help

We note your three-month deadline and prepare everything ahead of it. Miss that window and the pathway closes, so we treat the date as fixed and work back from it.

Plan your next move.

What you'll need

  • A target role or industry in mind
  • An idea of which residence pathway fits
  • Up-to-date CV and references
  • Ongoing

How we help

Once you're working, your partner adviser maps how these years can count toward residence, so your open work visa becomes a stepping stone, not just a holiday from the next decision.

The Costs

What it actually costs.

Immigration is an investment, but expert advice shouldn't cost you a fortune. Here's the full picture for a post-study work visa.

Market Rate

Typical immigration adviser

  • Eligibility consultationNZ$200
  • Qualification assessmentNZ$300
  • Document preparationNZ$550
  • Application lodgementNZ$700
  • Decision supportNZ$450
TotalNZ$2,200
JUMPSTART

For eligible, partner-funded applicants

  • Eligibility consultation$0
  • Qualification assessment$0
  • Document preparation$0
  • Application lodgement$0
  • Decision support$0
Total$0
REAL STORIES

Clients who call New Zealand home.

Don't take our word for it. Hear from the people we've helped call New Zealand home.

“I recommend Jumpstart International for those who want to apply for a student visa. Thankful for your great service in helping me process my application visa.”
Abegail Student Visa
“Jumpstart International made my student visa process smooth and stress-free. Very professional, reliable, and 100% recommendable!”
Tecson Student Visa
  • “I recommend Jumpstart International for those who want to apply for a student visa. Thankful for your great service in helping me process my application visa.”
    Abegail Student Visa
  • “Jumpstart International made my student visa process smooth and stress-free. Very professional, reliable, and 100% recommendable!”
    Tecson Student Visa
Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We've got answers.

Immigration rules can feel confusing. Here are the most common questions we get about this visa type.

Not for the open visa. A Level 7 degree or higher earns an open work visa, so you can apply without a job offer and work for almost any employer. Some lower, non-degree qualifications on the approved list also qualify, with their own conditions.

You generally need to apply within three months of your student visa expiring. Miss that window and the pathway closes, so we note your deadline and prepare everything ahead of it.

A degree-level qualification earns an open post-study work visa for up to three years. Immigration NZ's fee is around NZ$1,670 (plus levies), and you'll need to show roughly NZ$5,000 in funds. Your partner adviser's advice and our support on top are $0, because we're partner-funded.

From 16 November 2026, New Zealand is introducing a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa giving eligible graduates up to 6 months of open work rights to find work and explore longer-term options. The same change extends post-study work eligibility to some Level 7 graduate diplomas. Your partner adviser checks whether the standard visa or this newer option fits your situation best.

Often, yes. Skilled work during your post-study visa can count toward residence pathways like the Skilled Migrant Category. Your partner adviser maps how your years here can build toward residence rather than just running out.

Need more help?

Have a specific situation or just want to talk it through? We're here.

Schedule a Call
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