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From student visa to NZ residence: the study pathway

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The short answer

Studying in New Zealand can be a route to residence, but only if every step is planned. The typical chain is: student visa, then Post-Study Work Visa, then AEWV with an accredited employer, then Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) residence on 6 points.

Step 1 — Student visa

Study full-time at an approved education provider. Choose your qualification with the end goal in mind: higher qualifications earn more SMC points and longer post-study work rights.

Step 2 — Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)

Apply soon after finishing your studies. It lets you stay and work for up to 3 years, depending on your qualification: a master's or doctoral degree with at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand can get 3 years, while qualifications at level 8 or below get a visa matching the time you spent studying. Note: INZ grants only one Post-Study Work Visa per person — ever.

Step 3 — AEWV with an accredited employer

Use your open work rights to land a skilled job with an accredited employer, then move onto an AEWV. This starts the clock on NZ skilled work experience, which earns SMC points.

Step 4 — SMC residence on 6 points

The SMC needs 6 points from one skill category, plus optional points from NZ work experience:

  • Qualification: bachelor's degree (Level 7) = 3 points, bachelor's honours or postgraduate diploma (Level 8) = 4, master's (Level 9) = 5, doctorate (Level 10) = 6.
  • NZ skilled work experience: 1 point per year, up to 3.

So a NZ master's (5 points) plus one year of NZ skilled work (1 point) reaches 6. Baselines: age 55 or younger at application, a full-time job (at least 30 hours a week) with an accredited employer, meeting the English standard, and health and character requirements. Process: Expression of Interest (EOI), invitation to apply, then a resident visa.

The Green List shortcut

If your occupation is on the Green List, you may qualify for Straight to Residence or Work to Residence — potentially faster than the SMC points route.

Frequently asked questions

Does any course qualify for post-study work rights?

No. Work rights depend on the qualification level and how long you studied. Check the PSWV settings for your specific qualification before you enrol.

Can I get a second Post-Study Work Visa after more study?

No. You can only ever be granted one Post-Study Work Visa, even after further study at a higher level.

How much NZ work experience do I need for SMC?

Up to 3 points can come from NZ skilled work experience (1 per year). With a master's worth 5 points, a single year of skilled NZ work gets you to 6.

Sources

  • https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/
  • https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/en/plan-your-studies/visas/work-visa-rights-new-zealand
  • https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/skilled-migrant-category-resident-visa/
  • https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/accredited-employer-work-visa/?hl=en-US
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