Post Study Work — InformationalVerified 2026-04-19New Zealand Post Study Work Visa — Informational
The Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) is the critical post-graduation bridge for Indian students in NZ. After completing a qualifying NZ qualification (typically level 7+ full-time for at least 30 weeks), you can apply for up to 3 years of open work rights. Only one PSWV per lifetime. Apply within 3 months of student visa expiry (6 months for PhD). Leads to AEWV and then to PR.
Most Indian students apply for PSWV directly after graduation through their education provider's international office or an IAA-licensed adviser. We include this as reference for students planning their post-study pathway.
Processing
Varies by visa category — Visitor 80% in 2 weeks; Business Visitor 1 week; Student 8 weeks; Post Study Work 4 weeks; AEWV 6 weeks; SMC/Green List 6-12 months
Stay Duration
Up to 3 years (once per lifetime)
Starting Fee
NZD 850
Apply At
12 VFS centres
Who Can Apply
- Completed qualifying NZ qualification (typically level 7+ full-time for 30+ weeks)
- Apply within 3 months of student visa expiry (6 months for PhD)
- Minimum NZD 5,000 available funds
- Good health + character
Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fee Paying Student Visa | NZD 850 |
| Pathway Student Visa (up to 3 consecutive courses) | NZD 850 |
| English Language Student Visa | NZD 850 |
| Post Study Work Visa | NZD 1,670 |
All NZ visa fees are set in NZD by Immigration New Zealand and paid online at apply.immigration.govt.nz. The INR amount depends on NZD/INR exchange rate on payment day. Additional costs: medical/TB X-ray at INZ Panel Physician (₹6,000-12,000), Police Clearance Certificate (free from PSK but courier/apostille extra), NZQA International Qualifications Assessment (NZD 746 if below-bachelor), translation, biometrics, and Immigration Levy (separate from base fee). Non-refundable regardless of outcome. From late 2026, eligibility extends to students with Level 7 Graduate Diploma in NZ plus a bachelor's (NZ or overseas).
Documents Required
Overview — informational reference
- !NZ qualification certificate / final transcripts
- !Student visa + residence record
- !NZD 5,000 funds evidence
- !Passport + photo
- ○Medical/police checks if required
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Complete qualifying NZ course
Level 7+ typically; 30+ weeks full-time.
Apply within 3 months of student visa expiry
6 months for PhD. Online at apply.immigration.govt.nz.
Pay NZD 1,670 + biometrics if needed
Standard NZ visa fee flow.
Decision ~4 weeks for 80%
Digital eVisa with open work rights.
Use PSWV period to secure AEWV role
Ideal time to get an accredited employer job offer and transition to AEWV/Green List.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Immigration NZ Online Application Portal
Create a RealMe account or Immigration Online account. All NZ visas for Indian applicants are lodged here online.
Immigration New Zealand — Official Visa Information
Authoritative source for all NZ visa categories, fee updates, and occupation/wage thresholds (which change frequently).
VFS Global NZ — Biometrics & Document Submission (India)
Where Indian applicants submit biometrics, book appointments, and track passport delivery.
INZ Panel Physicians — Medical Examination (India)
Only INZ Panel Physicians' medical reports are accepted — e-medical system. Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and others.
NZQA International Qualifications Assessment
Required for below-bachelor foreign qualifications applying for work/residence visas. NZD 746 fee.
Green List Occupations (current)
Check if your occupation is Tier 1 (straight to residence) or Tier 2 (work to residence). Updated frequently — verify before applying.
Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) Register
Check if your advisor is IAA-licensed BEFORE paying for immigration advice. Critical for avoiding scams.
VFS Application Centres
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for PSWV twice?+
What's the pathway after PSWV?+
Why doesn't SureshotVisa process NZ work / residence visas?+
This page is for information only
SureshotVisa does not process this visa category. For other New Zealand visa types we can help with — Tourist, Visitor, Business, Student, or Family Reunification — see the related visa types below.
Other New Zealand Visa Types
New Zealand Visitor Visa (Tourism / Family Visit)
The main tourism and family-visit visa for Indian citizens. Up to 6 months multi-entry or 9 months single-entry. NZD 441. 80% decided in 2 weeks.
New Zealand Business Visitor Visa
For Indian professionals visiting NZ for business meetings, negotiations, conferences, or consultations. NZD 341. Up to 3 months in any 12-month period. Cannot take up NZ employment.
New Zealand Medical Treatment Visitor Visa
For Indian patients travelling to NZ for private medical treatment or consultation. NZD 441. Requires NZ hospital/specialist letter + funds for treatment + stay.
New Zealand Transit Visa
For Indian travellers passing through Auckland airport en route to a third country for up to 24 hours. Free or nominal fee.
New Zealand Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa
For Indian citizens coming to NZ to marry their NZ citizen/resident fiancé(e) in an arranged marriage — within 3 months of arrival. Pathway to Partnership Resident Visa.
New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa
Main study visa for Indian students pursuing full-time courses at approved NZ education providers. NZD 850. Up to 4 years per visa. Work rights up to 25 hrs/week during term. Gateway to PR.
New Zealand Pathway Student Visa
A single visa covering up to 3 consecutive study programmes (e.g. English → Foundation → Bachelor's). Valid up to 5 years. NZD 850. Saves money vs 3 separate student visas.
New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) — Informational
The main NZ work visa — requires job offer from accredited employer meeting pay/hours thresholds. NZD 1,540. Up to 5 years. Leads to PR via SMC or Green List.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global New Zealand website and Embassy of New Zealand. Last verified 2026-04-19. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.