Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV): How to Maximise Your Time in New Zealand After Graduation

For many international students, the Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) is one of the biggest reasons New Zealand remains an attractive study destination. This visa allows eligible graduates to stay in New Zealand after completing their qualification, gain work experience, and build a pathway toward career growth — and in some cases, residence.

However, while the PSWV offers a valuable opportunity, making the most of it requires planning, awareness, and strategic decisions from day one of study.

How Long Is the PSWV Valid For?

The duration of your PSWV depends on the level of your qualification and whether it is listed on the Green List or education pathways approved by Immigration New Zealand.

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Qualification Level	Eligible for PSWV?	Typical Duration*
Level 7 Graduate Diploma	Yes (if on approved list or leads to skilled role)	Up to 1 year (sometimes longer if registration required)
Level 8 Postgraduate Diploma	Yes	Up to 2 years (depending on qualification and field)
Level 9 Master’s Degree	Yes	Up to 3 years
Level 10 PhD	Yes	Up to 3 years

Eligibility rules can change, and not all Level 7 courses qualify. Students must confirm policies before enrolling.

Using the PSWV to Build Toward Skilled Employment

A PSWV is not just a permit to stay — it’s a career window.

To turn this opportunity into long-term success:

✔️ Secure a Skilled Job

A role that:

• Is classified as skilled under ANZSCO,
• Pays at or above the required wage rate (usually median wage or higher), and
• Matches your qualification and skill set.

This is essential if you plan to qualify later for pathways such as:

• Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Residence Visa
• Green List Residence Pathway
• Work to Residence visas linked to priority sectors

✔️ Gain Documented and Relevant Work Experience

Immigration pathways prioritise:

• Experience in New Zealand
• Consistency in job role
• Work aligned with qualification

Your PSWV period is when you collect experience points, build employer relationships, and prove labour market relevance.

✔️ Meet Wage and Role Requirements

Residence pathways consider:

• Whether you are paid at or above median wage
• Whether your job meets the definition of skilled employment
• Whether you hold any required New Zealand professional registration (for regulated professions such as teaching, nursing, engineering, electrical work, etc.)

A job offer at minimum wage in a non-skilled role does not build a residence pathway — even if you are employed full time.

Aligning Your Qualification With Your Job — Why It Matters

INZ expects the job you take after graduation to be:

• Relevant to your completed qualification, and
• Logical career progression based on your study pathway.

Choosing a random or unrelated job “just to work” may reduce or eliminate your eligibility for resident pathways.

Common Mistakes Students Make After Graduation

• Waiting until the PSWV is granted before job searching
• Taking the first job available even if it’s not skilled
• Ignoring the median wage requirement
• Not preparing for registration where required
• Assuming the PSWV guarantees residence

A PSWV is not an automatic pathway to residency — it is an opportunity that must be used wisely.

How to Maximise Your PSWV Window

Here’s a simple roadmap:

Stage	Strategy
During Study	Build networks, research industries, prepare a New Zealand-style CV
Final Semester	Apply for trainee or internship roles; connect with employers
After Graduation	Target skilled work aligned with qualification; track wage thresholds
Mid-PSWV	Assess compliance and eligibility for residence categories
Before Expiry	Lodge residence, change visa category, or exit if not eligible

Planning early ensures you don’t run out of time.

How We Support Students

At Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd, we help you:

• Understand which study programmes lead to PSWV eligibility and how long
• Identify whether your job qualifies as skilled employment
• Navigate median wage rules and Green List conditions
• Prepare applications for work visas and residency pathways
• Avoid mistakes that could cost your long-term plans

Final Thoughts

The PSWV is a powerful opportunity — but only for students who approach it strategically. If you treat it as a gap year or temporary work ticket, the chance is lost. But if you treat it as a stepping stone to skilled employment and a long-term career, it can open meaningful pathways.

Your choices during and after study determine how far this visa takes you.