How to Apply for a Working Visa in New Zealand

Once you finish your studies in New Zealand, you will have two choices for a Post-Study work visa. Getting detailed knowledge will help you find the best pathway based on your qualifications and career goals.

The Post-Study Work Visa (Open) in New Zealand is designed for recently graduated Indian students, offering them the flexibility to seek employment without being tied to a specific employer. This visa grants graduates 2 to 4 years to find a job that aligns with their field of study and personal preferences. 

The Post-Study Work Visa (Open) allows them to work for any employer in any role, eliminating the pressure to secure immediate employment to remain in the country. This opportunity is available to all students upon completing their course, providing ample time to explore suitable job options in New Zealand.

The Post-Study Work Visa (employer-assisted) is a type of work permit that allows Indian students to stay and work in New Zealand after completing their studies. This visa is contingent upon having a job offer from a specific employer. The duration of this visa depends on the job offer and the qualifications of the applicant. 

For instance, the validity of the visa can be 1 year upto 5 years, depending on the employer's needs and the nature of the job. This means that the length of time you can stay and work in New Zealand under this visa is directly tied to the details of your employment contract. The employer’s assessment of your qualifications and job requirements will play a vital role in knowing how long your visa will be valid. 

It also allows New Zealand employers to benefit from the skills and knowledge of graduates who have studied in New Zealand. However, the Post-Study Work Visa (Employer Assisted) offers a mutually beneficial opportunity for both graduates and employers in New Zealand.

Also, Read: Top Universities In New Zealand

To qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand, you must complete specific requirements based on your qualifications and the date you applied for your student visa. Here are the detailed eligibility requirements:

• You must have attained a qualification at New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) Level 7 (degree level) or higher.

• If you acquired a qualification below Level 7 (non-degree), it must be on the "Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa" list.

Note: Your job must be relevant to the field of study you have chosen for your studies for non-degree qualifications (Level 7 or below). 

Refer to the table below to learn about the qualifications related eligibility for a post-study work visa New Zealand:

The Post Study Work Visa enables people to stay and work in the country for up to three years after completion of their education or degree program, depending on their field of study. 

This visa offers graduates a valuable opportunity to gain practical work experience in New Zealand, thereby improving their career prospects. The application fee starts at NZD $700, and around 80% of applications are processed in the span of five weeks. The New Zealand work visa fee in indian rupees is around Rs. 38,095. 

• 1 Acceptable Photo

• Passport or certificate of identity

• Medical Certificate

• Police Certificate (criminal conviction)

• Proof of qualification (e.g., degree certificate)

• Academic transcripts

• Evidence of funds to support yourself initially

• Job offer letter (for Employer Assisted Visa) 

Also, Read: New Zealand's Policy Update for Post-Study Work Right

Delving deeper into qualifications and their documentation was crucial, but you must also look through how to apply for a working visa after completing your studies. So, let’s explore the application process step-by-step:

• Complete your Qualification - To be eligible for a PSW visa, you must complete your qualification and have a window of approximately 3 to 6 months to apply for the visa. 

• Apply for a Work Visa - You must submit your application through the official New Zealand immigration website and upload all necessary documents, following which you also need to pay applicable fees. 

• New Zealand Work Visa Cost-Your payment will be approximately NZD $700, including a non-refundable immigration levy. You can pay through several payment options, such as Visa, MasterCard, or UnionPay.

• Decision on Your Application—NZ immigration officers will check your application and contact you for the rest. If your current visa expires temporarily, you will be issued an interim visa to ensure your stay lawfully there until you get your new visa in hand. Either way, you will get an email with a visa acceptance or rejection. 

• Processing Timeframes - On average, 80% of applications are processed within five weeks.

• Starting Your Work: Once your visa is approved, you can download and print it from the email containing the visa approval notice and commence working in New Zealand under the terms and conditions specified in your visa.

Also, Read: February Intake in New Zealand

You must look forward to not making any mistakes or creating any blunders for yourself while getting a working visa after completing your higher studies in New Zealand. So, take a look at some of the points to take care of.

• Not providing enough supporting evidence: You must present clear, high-quality supporting documents to verify your eligibility, as unclear documents can delay or hinder your visa application.

• Incomplete or inaccurate information: Make sure all application information is accurate and complete. Missing documents or errors can cause delays or rejection, so review carefully.

• Submitting unnecessary documents: You should not deliver unnecessary documents that may impede the visa application process. To streamline the process and avoid confusion, only submit the documents specifically requested.

• Insufficient funds: Always make sure you meet the financial requirements by providing proof of sufficient funds to support your stay, or else your visa may be denied.

• Not keeping track of timelines and missing deadlines: Applying for a visa can take months, so be sure to keep track of all submission dates and deadlines to avoid application rejections due to delays.

Thus, always ensure you follow all the guidelines before applying for a working visa after your studies.

Are you now getting clarity for a working visa after your studies in New Zealand? If yes, you must also check out the details of visa conditions. After receiving your working visa, you must also follow some conditions:

• Apply for entry permission by submitting either a digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) or a paper declaration.

• New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity will also ensure you meet their entry requirements.

• You may be denied entry if you do not meet character requirements, when your circumstances have changed since your visa was issued, or if you refuse biometric data collection when requested.

• You must have valid multiple-entry travel documents to travel in and out of New Zealand.

• Your visa will expire unless you receive multiple entry travel conditions and leave New Zealand.

• The visa label or visa letter contains information about travel conditions.

• If you have a degree level 7 or higher, you can work for almost any employer in New Zealand, with the exception of indulging in commercial sexual services-related operations 

• If you have completed a non-degree level 7 or a lesser qualification, your study must be on the Qualifications Eligible for a PSW list, and your job must be related to your field of study.

You can study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period, and your employer may allow you to study longer if it is necessary for your job.

To conclude, navigate the application process of getting a working visa in New Zealand after completing your studies. It requires your attention to good knowledge of entry criteria, documentation, qualifications, and the rest of the complete procedure. Also, ensure that you aren’t making any mistakes and are following all the guidelines correctly to get your working visa successfully. 

We hope you enjoyed reading the blog and that you got complete information regarding the working visa in New Zealand. If you need more clarification, contact our expert study abroad education counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC) branch. Our counsellor will provide you with guidance throughout your journey to study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOPs and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling, or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be more than happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011. 

Question. How can I get a work visa in New Zealand?

Answer: You must typically have a valid job offer from a New Zealand employer and meet eligibility requirements based on your qualifications, work experience, and the nature of the position. The application process entails submitting necessary documents, like proof of identity, qualifications, an employment offer, and paying the applicable fees.

Question. Is a New Zealand work visa easy to get?

Answer: The ease with which you can obtain a New Zealand work visa depends on a number of factors, including your qualifications, job demands, and immigration policies. While it can be simple for people with in-demand skills and job offers, others may have difficulty meeting eligibility requirements or finding work. Seeking help from reputable immigration consultants can help speed up the process.

Question. Am I eligible to apply for a work visa without a job offer in New Zealand?

Answer: Yes, you can get a work visa after completing your studies in New Zealand for 2 to 4 years to seek employment without any pressure in your head to acquire any job. 

Question. How much money do you need for a New Zealand working visa?

Answer: The cost of a New Zealand working visa differs as per the visa type you apply for and your specific circumstances. Application fees typically range between NZD 300 and NZD 700. Also, you need to show adequate funds to ensure a hassle-free stay in New Zealand, as required by immigration authorities.

Question. Who is eligible for a work visa?

Answer: Qualifications, work experience, job offer, and employer sponsorship all contribute to a person's eligibility for a New Zealand work visa. Individuals with in-demand skills and qualifications in New Zealand and those with job offers from accredited employers can apply for work visas.

Question. Is IELTS required for an NZ work visa?

Answer: While English language proficiency is frequently required for New Zealand work visas, the exact language test requirements may differ depending on the visa category and individual circumstances. In some cases, applicants might have to prove English language proficiency using tests such as IELTS or equivalents.

Question. Who is eligible to work in New Zealand?

Answer: Citizens, permanent residents, and holders of valid work visas or permits are all eligible to work in New Zealand. Qualifications, skills, job offers, and employer sponsorship are all considered when determining eligibility for a work visa.

Question. What is the minimum salary for a work visa in NZ?

Answer: The new median wage of NZD, $29.66/hour, will be implemented on February 27, 2023. Employers must offer at least $29.66/hour to have the work visa approved, unless exempt. 

Question. What is the difference between a work visa and a work permit in New Zealand?

Answer: The terms "work visa" and "work permit visa" are frequently used interchangeably to refer to permits that allow students to work legally in New Zealand. Both terms denote authorisation from immigration authorities to engage in employment activities for a set period. 

Question. What are the top New Zealand work visa consultants in India? 

Answer: Some of the popular New Zealand work visa consultants in India, such as Y-Axis and Opulentus Overseas Careers, offer comprehensive visa application services. They help with determining eligibility, document preparation, and guidance throughout the application process. Meridean Overseas is known for its expertise and success in facilitating New Zealand work visa applications.