New Zealand 3-Year Post-Study Work Visa & Green List Straight-to-Residence Pathways
A New Zealand qualification may create an opportunity to stay and work after graduation, but the length and conditions of that opportunity depend on the qualification completed. Some eligible master’s and doctoral graduates may qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa of up to three years. A separate skilled-residence process may be available later if the graduate secures a qualifying job and meets the Green List requirements.
In this article (8 parts)
How long can you stay after graduation?
| Qualification completed in New Zealand | Potential Post-Study Work Visa duration | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s or doctoral qualification | Up to 3 years | Must have studied in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks at the relevant qualification level. |
| Other eligible Level 8 or lower qualification | Generally linked to the duration of study | The qualification and study must meet INZ rules. |
| Eligible non-degree Level 4–7 qualification | Duration depends on the qualification and study | Only qualifications on INZ’s eligible list qualify; work may be restricted to a related job. |
The qualification level alone is not enough. Students should check the exact programme, NZQF level, full-time study duration and the rules that apply to the date of their student-visa application. A course advertised as “Level 7” does not automatically qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa.
The 30-week study condition matters
For a New Zealand master’s or doctoral qualification, INZ’s published duration guidance requires at least 30 weeks of study in New Zealand for the three-year post-study work period. The student must successfully complete the qualification recorded for the visa. Time spent studying offshore, credit transfers and programme changes should be checked carefully with the provider and INZ.
Degree-level and non-degree work conditions
For a degree qualification at Level 7 or higher, the Post-Study Work Visa generally allows work in any job, for any employer, anywhere in New Zealand, subject to the visa conditions and any required occupational registration. For eligible non-degree Level 7 or lower qualifications, the visa may restrict the graduate to work related to the subject studied. This is a material difference when comparing diplomas, graduate diplomas and degrees.
Green List: Tier 1 versus Tier 2
| Pathway | What it means | Core employment requirement | Residence timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 – Straight to Residence | A qualifying skilled occupation is on Green List Tier 1. | A full-time job or offer with an accredited employer; meet the role’s pay, qualification, registration and other criteria. | Can apply for residence once all requirements are met; no two-year Tier 2 work period. |
| Tier 2 – Work to Residence | A qualifying occupation is on Green List Tier 2. | A full-time Tier 2 job with an accredited employer, plus the specified occupation and wage conditions. | Generally requires 24 months of qualifying New Zealand work experience before applying. |
The Green List is occupation-specific. The role title alone is not enough: duties, registration, qualification, experience, pay and employer accreditation can all matter. The list can change, so students should search the current INZ Green List rather than rely on a static list copied into an article.
What does “Straight to Residence” actually mean?
“Straight to Residence” means an eligible Tier 1 worker may apply for a resident visa without first completing the Tier 2 two-year work period. It does not mean a student can move directly from graduation to residence simply because they studied a related subject. The applicant still needs a qualifying job or job offer from an accredited employer and must meet the occupation-specific requirements, age, health, character and English requirements.
A realistic student-to-residence sequence
- Choose a qualification for its academic and employment value first. Verify the NZQF level and post-study work eligibility before paying a deposit.
- Complete the qualification and retain transcripts, completion letters and evidence of study dates.
- Apply for the Post-Study Work Visa within the applicable deadline. INZ generally specifies three months after the student visa end date; doctoral graduates have a longer six-month window.
- Find a job that matches the relevant occupation, skill level and any professional registration requirements.
- Check whether the employer is accredited and whether the job meets Green List pay, hours and contract requirements.
- Apply under the appropriate residence pathway only when every requirement is met.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming every master’s degree automatically provides three years of post-study work rights.
- Confusing the Post-Study Work Visa with a residence visa.
- Assuming a course in IT, engineering or healthcare is itself on the Green List. The list applies to occupations and their specified requirements.
- Assuming a Tier 2 job leads to residence immediately. The pathway generally requires 24 months of qualifying work.
- Using an old Green List screenshot or salary threshold without checking the current INZ page.
- Leaving the Post-Study Work Visa application until after the deadline.
Practical student checklist
- Confirm exact programme title, NZQF level and whether it is degree or non-degree.
- Confirm the required full-time study duration in New Zealand.
- Check whether the course meets current Post-Study Work Visa criteria.
- Check professional registration requirements for regulated roles.
- Search the live Green List by occupation and verify employer accreditation.
- Record the post-study visa application deadline from the student visa end date.
Common questions
Does every New Zealand master’s degree give a three-year Post-Study Work Visa?
No. INZ’s published guidance says a New Zealand master’s or doctoral graduate may qualify for three years if they studied in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks. The qualification and individual circumstances must still meet the rules.
Can I apply for residence immediately after my master’s?
Not solely because you graduated. A Tier 1 Green List applicant may apply when they have a qualifying job or offer from an accredited employer and meet all other requirements. Tier 2 generally requires 24 months of qualifying work in New Zealand.
Can I work in any job on a Post-Study Work Visa?
Generally, degree-level 7 or higher graduates can work in any legal job, subject to conditions and occupational registration. Eligible non-degree Level 7 or lower graduates may be restricted to a job related to their qualification.
How long do I have to apply for a Post-Study Work Visa?
INZ generally requires an application within three months after the student visa end date. Doctoral graduates have a six-month period. Check the current INZ instructions for any special second-qualification circumstances.
Does studying nursing, IT or engineering guarantee Green List residence?
No. Residence depends on the specific occupation, role duties, employer accreditation, pay, registration, qualifications and other visa criteria—not the subject name alone.
Put this to use
Where this comes from
Official sources behind this article.
Fees, rules and deadlines change. Check the official pages above before you act on anything here. This is general information, not immigration or legal advice. Facts as of 14 November 2026.