Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) — levels 7-10 pathway

Build a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) strategy for [CLIENT_NAME] graduating from [INSTITUTION] with [PROGRAM] (NZQF Level [PROGRAM_LEVEL]; [PROGRAM_DURATION_MONTHS] months).

§1 — PSWV OVERVIEW (90-110 words)
Generic 2 W2 instructions established the Post-Study Work Visa after July 2018 reforms. Structure (verify current — INZ has revised PSWV duration scales in 2023-24):
  • Bachelor's (Level 7): 3 years open work rights
  • Postgrad Diploma (Level 8) — depending on whether sub-bachelor or post-bachelor: 1-3 years
  • Master's (Level 9): 3 years
  • PhD (Level 10): 3 years
  • Sub-bachelor (Level 4-6): NOT eligible for PSWV under current rules (post 2023 reform restricted access)
Open work: any employer, any role; no labour-market test. Strong bridge to Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) residence visa.

§2 — ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (90-110 words)
[CLIENT_NAME] qualifies if:
  • Completed [PROGRAM] at NZQF Level [PROGRAM_LEVEL] in a single qualification of [PROGRAM_DURATION_MONTHS] months (minimum 30 weeks for sub-bachelor; minimum 1 year for bachelor's+)
  • Held valid student visa during studies
  • Applied within 3 months of:
    - Course completion (most cases), OR
    - Final grade release (some cases)
  • [INSTITUTION] is recognised NZQA provider
  • Character + health requirements met
  • Funds proof: NZD 5,000+ for initial period OR job offer in hand

PSWV granted in single tranche; previously two stages (open + employer-sponsored) — restructured 2018-2022 + further refined 2023.

§3 — APPLICATION PROCESS (80-100 words)
Application:
  • Online via INZ ONLINE portal
  • Application fee: NZD 760-1,310 [VERIFY current]
  • IELTS / English proof typically met by prior student visa
  • Police certificate (India + any 12+ month residence country)
  • Medical exam if not previously cleared during 2-year+ student visa period
  • Transcripts confirming course completion
  • Letter from [INSTITUTION] confirming graduation + study duration
Processing: 4-10 weeks. Bridging visa available if student visa expires during PSWV processing.

§4 — WHAT PSWV PERMITS (60-80 words)
PSWV holder may:
  • Work for any NZ employer, any role
  • Be self-employed (subject to Inland Revenue + tax registration)
  • Study additional courses (sometimes requires separate variation)
  • Travel in/out of NZ during validity
  • Sponsor partner via Partner of Student Visa during studies (transitions to Partner Work visa post-graduation)
Children sponsored separately under Dependent Child policy.

§5 — PATHWAY TO SMC RESIDENCE (90-110 words)
PSWV is the standard bridge to Skilled Migrant Category (6-point system, post-2023 reform):
  • Find skilled employment in qualifying occupation — ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3 OR equivalent OR pay above Median Wage threshold
  • Accumulate 6 points across qualification + experience + occupation
  • Lodge SMC Expression of Interest
  • Receive Invitation to Apply
  • Submit residence application
For [PROGRAM_LEVEL] = 9 (Master): 3 points for NZ Master's qualification (if recognized) — plus skilled employment + experience = realistic 6 points within 12-24 months of PSWV start.

§6 — INDIAN-COHORT REALITY (40-60 words)
PSWV grant rates for Indian-cohort:
  • Level 7-10 graduates: 90%+ approval
  • Strong fields: IT, engineering, healthcare, business
  • Job-search timeline: 3-6 months realistic for first skilled offer in Auckland / Wellington / Hamilton
  • Family reunification: partner via Partner Work, parents via Parent Resident (separate category, capped + waitlisted)

End with: "DRAFT PSWV STRATEGY — for review by INZ-licensed adviser (IAA-licensed) or NZ-qualified lawyer. Apply within 3 months of course completion — late applications denied without statutory mechanism for extension. Plan SMC point accumulation from day 1 of PSWV."