NZ Post-Study Work Visa Checklist & Guide

Your Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)

Application fee: NZD $1,670 (non-refundable)

Processing time: Typically 2–5 weeks (80% within 5 weeks)

Work rights: Open work rights = any employer, any job

Application window: Within 3 months of your student visa expiry

Important: You can only get a PSWV once in your lifetime

Checklist A: Preparation

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Confirm your course completion date with your institution Get a written letter or academic transcript confirming completion of your qualification.

Check your passport validity Must be valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave NZ. Renew now if needed.

Save NZD $5,000 in YOUR bank account Must be visible in recent bank statements in your name. This is mandatory.

Create / check your RealMe account Go to immigration.govt.nz and log in. You will apply online.

Request police certificates (if needed) From every country you lived in 12+ months in the last 10 years. Must be less than 6 months old. These take weeks—start early.

Book a medical / chest X-ray if needed INZ will tell you after you apply. Use an INZ-approved panel physician.

Checklist B: Documents to Gather

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Qualification completion letter from your institution Official letter or academic transcript confirming you completed your qualification.

Passport bio page (colour scan) Clear scan of main page with your photo. Enter details EXACTLY as they appear.

Passport-sized photos Colour, taken within last 6 months, JPEG format for upload.

Bank statements showing NZD $5,000+ Recent statements in YOUR name. Download as PDF.

Police certificates Only if requested by INZ. Must be less than 6 months old.

Medical certificate / chest X-ray Only if requested by INZ after you apply.

English translations Any document not in English must be translated by a qualified translator meeting INZ requirements.

Application fee: NZD $1,670 ready Visa, Mastercard, Amex, China UnionPay, JCB, or POLi payment.

How to Apply Online (Step by Step)

You do NOT need a consultant or immigration adviser. Follow these steps:

Step 1

Go to immigration.govt.nz — Post-Study Work Visa page

Step 2

Click 'Apply online' and log in with your RealMe account

Step 3

Fill in the application form. Enter all details exactly as they appear on your passport.

Step 4

Upload all documents as PDF files (max 10MB each).

Step 5

Pay NZD $1,670 and submit.

Step 6

Wait for processing (typically 2–5 weeks). Log in to check status. INZ will email if they need more docs.

Step 7

If student visa expires while waiting, INZ will normally issue an Interim Visa.

Important: Read These Free Guides from INZ

Work Visa Guide (INZ 1016) — Downloadable PDF from the PSWV application page. Official guide that walks you through the full process.

Disclaimer: This document is for general guidance only and is not immigration advice. Immigration rules can change. Always check the official INZ website for the latest requirements. This guide was created as an interactive tool to help organize your visa application process.

NZ Visa Interactive Checklist & Guide

Your Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)

Checklist A: Preparation

Checklist B: Documents to Gather

How to Apply Online (Step by Step)

Important: Read These Free Guides from INZ