🇳🇿 NZ: Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) Duration Checker

Determine your exact New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) duration based on NZQCF levels, study length, and official Immigration NZ rules.

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Is this your first Post-Study Work Visa?

Yes

Immigration NZ permits a PSWV only once in a lifetime.

NZQCF Qualification Level

Level 7 Qualification Type

Degrees and non-degrees follow very different duration and list restrictions.

Length of Full-time Study in NZ

The time you actually spent studying the qualification full-time in New Zealand.

Visa Duration Entitlement

Fill in details to view your estimate.

Cap / Basis Up to 3 Years

Study Duration Met? --

Visa Duration Scaled 0 / 36 Months

Select valid states to see breakdown results.

How New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) Durations are Calculated

1. Flat 3-Year Eligibility

Applicants who complete a Level 9 (Master's) or Level 10 (Doctoral) degree are automatically eligible for a 3-year work visa. You must have studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks.

2. The "Equal to Study" Rule

For Level 7 Bachelor's Degrees and Level 8 Qualifications, your visa duration is exactly equal to the time you spent studying (confirmed by your provider), capped at 3 years. Minimum study of 30 weeks applies.

3. Non-Degree & Level 4-6

For level 4-6 and Level 7 non-degrees (e.g., Grad Diplomas), the qualification must be on the official eligible list. The visa length matches study length, and future jobs must be related to what you studied.

Important Caveats & Constraints

Once-in-a-Lifetime: You can only hold a Post-Study Work Visa once in your lifetime. If you have held one before, you cannot receive another, even if you complete a higher qualification.
Official Lists: If you study below degree level, the specific occupation target must reside on the eligible qualifications list (which includes specific areas of Teaching, Engineering, Trades, etc.).
30-Week Benchmark: For degree students, full-time study of at least 30 weeks in New Zealand is the mandatory legislative minimum.

Staying to work after finishing study (Immigration NZ) → Eligible PSWV Qualifications list (Immigration NZ) →