Can I apply for a Graduate Job Search Work visa in New Zealand?

To be eligible for a Graduate Job Search visa you must have successfully completed in New Zealand an acceptable qualification.

A job offer is not required, but a graduation certificate is mandatory.

There are some further requirements you will need to meet for this category of work visa, before you can apply.

If you decide to apply after your student visa expires, you have 3 months to do so (or 6 months if you have obtained a PhD).

Please note if you completed your qualification on a Limited Purpose Visa and left NZ, you will not be eligible for a Graduate Job Search Visa.

This is because our policy WD2 specifically requires people to be on a Student Visa to be eligible for Graduate Job Search Visa.

Can I get more a Graduate Job Search Work Visa more than once?

If, after obtaining your first Graduate Job Search Work Visa, you have completed a second and higher qualification, that is either a New Zealand bachelor degree or post-graduate qualification and you studied that qualification for at least one year, you may be eligible for a second graduate job search visa.

Alternatively, if you completed a second and higher qualification that is a New Zealand level 7 qualification and you studied that qualification for at least one academic year and you commenced that programme of study on or before 29th November 2012, you may also be eligible for the subsequent graduate job search visa.

Your qualification must also qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category of the resident visa instructions (SM14.10).

You must also meet our health (A4.15) and character (A5.45) requirements, and have at least NZ$4,200 available to maintain yourself while in NZ.

If you are successful you will normally be granted another 12 month work visa that lets you work in NZ for any employer in any occupation.