New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) Rules 2026
Before aiming for residency, you must secure the right to work in New Zealand after your studies. The Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) is an open work visa that allows international graduates to work for any employer in almost any role. However, in 2026, the duration of your PSWV is strictly tied to the level of the qualification you completed on the NZ Qualifications Framework (NZQF):
| Qualification Level | Study Examples | PSWV Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Level 7 (Degree) | Bachelor's Degree (3 years) | Matches study duration (up to 3 years) |
| Level 8 (Postgrad) | Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) / Bachelor's Honours | 1 year |
| Level 9 (Master's) | Master's Degree (Taught or Research) | 3 years |
| Level 10 (Doctoral) | PhD / Doctoral Studies | 3 years |
To qualify, you must have studied full-time in New Zealand for a minimum duration. For Level 7 Bachelor degrees and Level 9 Master's degrees, this is at least 30 weeks. Crucially, spouses of students studying at Level 9 (Master's) or Level 10 (PhD) are eligible for open work visas, making post-graduate study a highly attractive pathway for married Indian students.
Navigating the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) 6-Point System
In October 2023, Immigration New Zealand replaced the old 180-point system with a simplified **6-Point Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)**. To apply for New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR) under this pathway, you must accumulate a minimum of **6 points**.
The points are earned by choosing **one** skill category (Qualification, Registration, or Income) and adding points from **New Zealand Skilled Work Experience**.
Step 1: Choose Your Primary Skill Points (Select ONE - Max 6 Points)
You cannot mix points from different skill categories. You must pick the one that gives you the highest score:
- Qualification Points:
- Level 10 PhD = **6 points** (Instant PR eligibility!)
- Level 9 Master's Degree = **5 points**
- Level 8 PGDip / Honours Degree = **4 points**
- Level 7 Bachelor's Degree = **3 points**
- Income Points (Based on NZ Median Wage):
- Earning 3x NZ Median Wage = **6 points**
- Earning 2x NZ Median Wage = **4 points**
- Earning 1.5x NZ Median Wage = **3 points**
- Professional Registration Points: Earn 3 to 6 points if you hold a licensed registration in NZ (nursing, teaching, engineering registration) that requires years of study and practice.
Step 2: Add New Zealand Skilled Work Experience Points
If your primary skill points are less than 6, you must cover the shortfall using skilled work experience in New Zealand:
- 1 year of skilled NZ work experience = **1 point**
- 2 years of skilled NZ work experience = **2 points**
- 3 years of skilled NZ work experience = **3 points** (Maximum claimable)
Example Pathways for Indian Graduates:
- The Master's Graduate: Completes a Level 9 Master's (5 points). They need only **1 year** of skilled work experience in New Zealand (1 point) to reach the 6-point target. With a 3-year PSWV, they have plenty of buffer time to secure this.
- The Bachelor's Graduate: Completes a Level 7 Bachelor's (3 points). They require **3 years** of skilled work experience in New Zealand (3 points) to reach 6 points. Because their PSWV is 3 years, they must secure a skilled job immediately upon graduation to avoid visa expiry before applying for PR.
- The PGDip Graduate: Completes a Level 8 PGDip (4 points). They require **2 years** of skilled work experience (2 points). However, because their PSWV is only 1 year, they will need their employer to sponsor them on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to complete their second year of work.
The Green List: Direct to Residence Pathways
The **Green List** is New Zealand's official index of high-priority skilled occupations facing critical shortages. If your job role is on the Green List, you do not need to go through the 6-point SMC system. Instead, you qualify for fast-track residency pathways:
- Tier 1: Straight to Residence
If you secure a job offer in a Tier 1 Green List occupation, you can apply for New Zealand PR **immediately** — even from day one of your employment. This includes roles like Software Engineers, Civil Engineers, General Practitioners, and ICT Project Managers.
- Tier 2: Work to Residence
If your occupation falls under Tier 2, you must work in the role in New Zealand for **2 years** before applying for residency. This includes roles like Secondary School Teachers, Registered Nurses, and skilled tradespeople.
All Green List applicants must meet the standard health, character, and English language requirements (IELTS General Training overall band 6.5 or equivalent).
What Counts as "Skilled Work" in New Zealand?
To count work experience toward the 6-point system or visa transitions, the employment must meet New Zealand's definition of "skilled work":
- ANZSCO Match: The role must align with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) at skill levels 1, 2, or 3.
- Wage Requirement: The role must pay at least the **NZ Median Wage** (which is updated annually by Immigration New Zealand) unless the occupation has a specific exemption or higher threshold.
- Full-Time Hours: The contract must guarantee at least 30 hours of work per week.