Can I work in New Zealand after completing my study?

A very common question that students have approached us with is whether they are allowed to work after completing their studies in New Zealand. We understand how it could be one of the most compelling reasons that would be a deciding factor when making a choice to study abroad. The answer is a yes if you meet all the requirements. You become eligible for a post-study work visa after you complete your studies in New Zealand.

One of the most appealing post-study work (PSW) visa options is available in New Zealand. It’s a fantastic chance for students to put what they’ve learned into practice while studying in New Zealand. It is important for applicants to understand that not all courses offer post-study work visa options. Therefore, choose your course carefully if you want to apply for a PSW visa after completing your studies in New Zealand.

Advantages of New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa

Extended Stay for Work Experience

After finishing their studies, international students can remain in New Zealand for an extended period of time with a Post-Study Work Visa. Generally, based on the type and length of the studies completed, the visa is granted for a maximum of three years.

Graduates will have plenty of opportunities to obtain relevant work experience in New Zealand during this extended stay period. Their resume will stand out thanks to this experience, which can help them advance in their career and compete more successfully in the global job market.

Pathway to Permanent Residence

Using this visa to obtain work experience in New Zealand can help you in your application for permanent residency.

Graduates who work in New Zealand and demonstrate marketable skills may be able to obtain other residency pathways, such as the Skilled Migrant Visa. This creates possibilities for both future professional advancement and long-term residency in New Zealand.

Increased Opportunities for Careers

The job market in New Zealand is vibrant and diverse, especially in fields like IT, engineering, healthcare, and hospitality.

Graduates can use this visa to look into employment prospects related to their field of study. Practical experience gained while working in New Zealand can be respected and provide an advantage over applicants in both domestic and foreign job markets.

Exposure to International Work Culture

Graduates can learn about global business practices and gain access to an international work environment by working in New Zealand.

The development of a career may benefit greatly from this exposure. It broadens professional perspectives, gives exposure to a different cultural environment, and improves cross-cultural communication abilities.

Excellent Standard of Living

New Zealand is renowned for its superior living standards, which include first-rate healthcare, education, and general living conditions.

Graduates can live a well-balanced life with access to quality public services, a tidy living space, and a clean environment. The good living conditions here can support one’s career and personal well-being.

Opportunities for Networking

There are opportunities to develop contacts and professional networks within the industry by working in New Zealand.

In New Zealand, networking with professionals and business leaders can result in worthwhile partnerships and career opportunities. One’s career can be greatly advanced by this network, both in New Zealand and possibly even in India.

Increased Earning Potential

Competitive salaries are a common feature of jobs in New Zealand, particularly in industries where there is a high demand for skilled labor.

Graduates may find that their earning potential is higher than in certain other nations. This can be helpful for saving money, paying off student loans, or funding additional education or career advancement.

Possibility to Improve Your Skills

Through hands-on work experience, graduates may enhance their professional skills with the help of the Post-Study Work Visa.

This hands-on experience aids in developing abilities learned in the classroom, picking up new technologies, and adjusting to various work settings. Real-world application of developed skills can greatly improve career advancement and employability.

International Acknowledgment

Global recognition for experience gained in New Zealand is possible due to the nation’s respectable work standards and education system.

Employers around the world may find work experience from New Zealand to be a valuable asset to a resume. Pursuing career opportunities abroad can also be supported by this international experience.

Cultural Inclusion

There is an opportunity to completely involve oneself in a new culture and way of life by relocating to and working in New Zealand.

Living in a multicultural and varied environment can broaden one’s perspective and promote personal growth through cultural enrichment. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to encounter and value various lifestyles, which can be a fulfilling and enriching experience.

Courses Eligible for Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand

Qualifications Level 6 and Below

International students enrolled in diploma programs are the only eligible for post-study work visas, as long as the program is listed on New Zealand’s Green List. The Green List contains a list of jobs that are in demand in New Zealand. If any of these jobs are connected to the level 6 or below diploma program you are enrolled in, you will be qualified for a PSW visa.

After completing a level 6 or lower diploma program, the length of the post-study work visa for New Zealand is equal to the program’s duration. A two-year program, for instance, will also grant you a two-year New Zealand work visa following your studies.

Level 7 – Graduate Diplomas and Bachelor’s Degrees in New Zealand

If you complete graduate diplomas in New Zealand which are listed in the Green List, then you are eligible for a PSW visa.

In the case of bachelor’s degrees at Level 7 in New Zealand, you are eligible for a three-year PSW visa in New Zealand.

Level 8 – Post-Graduate Diplomas and Bachelor’s Honours Degrees in New Zealand

When it comes to post-graduate diplomas, you would be able to get a PSW visa. However, this post-study work visa is only for the duration of the course you complete in New Zealand. Since most of the post-graduate diplomas in New Zealand are for 1 year only, so you will be granted a PSW visa for a year.

Students who did their bachelor’s honours degrees in New Zealand are eligible for 3 years PSW visa with no conditions as such.

Level 9 – Master’s Degrees in New Zealand

A post-study work visa is available for all master’s degrees. Following your successful completion of the program, you will be qualified to apply for a post-study work visa, irrespective of whether you decide to pursue a master’s degree by coursework or research. This PSW visa is also for 3 years.

Level 10 – Doctoral Degrees (PhD) in New Zealand

Any doctoral degree that you obtain in New Zealand is eligible for a 3-year post-study work visa.

Requirements for Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand

After completing their studies, Indian students who want to work in New Zealand for three years must fulfill a few basic requirements.

Education in New Zealand

To be eligible for a post-study work visa in New Zealand, students must finish their course of study there. It takes a valid student visa to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree in New Zealand.

Medical Insurance

For students applying to work in New Zealand after studying, they must show proof of health insurance. This is an essential requirement. It is necessary that you travel to New Zealand with valid health insurance.

Monetary Requirements 

For students to be eligible for a post-study work visa in New Zealand, they must additionally show they have the financial means to cover living expenses. Students who plan to stay in New Zealand after graduation must fulfill this financial obligation. It ensures that individuals have the means to support themselves while seeking employment or returning to school. If they can show that they’ve got the money to cover living expenses, students can focus on their future professional goals and take note of every opportunity available to them in New Zealand. It ensures that they move seamlessly into the next phase of their lives and promotes thoughtful preparation.

West Highlander Immigration – Trusted Visa Consultants for New Zealand Study Visa

You can get in touch with the Licensed Immigration Advisor at West Highlander Immigration Sector 34A Chandigarh if you’re eager to apply for a study visa to New Zealand. One of the greatest and most reputable companies for New Zealand student visa advice is West Highlander. They have years of experience processing applications for student visas. Therefore, please get in touch with the educated counselor at West Highlander Immigration if you have any questions about your New Zealand study visa, New Zealand post-study work visa, New Zealand settlement opportunities after study, and New Zealand dependent visas for spouses, or New Zealand student visa for dependent children.