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Figures sourced from Immigration New Zealand as of June 2026. Post-study work duration varies by qualification level.
| Topic | Value |
|---|---|
Student visa fee | NZD $850 from (online application) |
Living funds required | NZD $20,000 / year (tertiary students) |
Work during study | 25 hrs / week, full-time in holidays |
Visa processing | 80% within 9.5 weeks |
Post-Study Work: Master's / PhD | 3 years open work, any employer |
Post-Study Work: Bachelor's | Matches study duration (open work rights) |
Residence after graduation | Green List Tier 1 straight-to-residence |
For informatory and consultation purposes only — visa rules, fees, and intake windows change; verify with the relevant official source and book a personal consultation before acting.
Each field below maps to Green List occupations in shortage across New Zealand, with a direct pathway from study to Post-Study Work Visa to residence. Every field has its own in-depth guide.
Registered Nurses are among New Zealand's highest-demand professions, appearing on the Green List Tier 1 for straight-to-residence.
General Practitioners, specialists (cardiologists, anaesthetists, surgeons), and medical officers all appear on Green List Tier 1.
Software Engineers, ICT Security Specialists, Database Administrators, and ICT Project Managers are Green List Tier 1 occupations.
Civil, Mechanical, Structural, Electrical, Chemical, and Environmental Engineers are all Green List Tier 1 occupations.
Electricians, Plumbers, Diesel Motor Mechanics, Welders, and Excavator/Crane Operators appear on Green List Tier 2 (work-to-residence, 24 months).
Primary and Secondary teachers are Green List Tier 1; Early Childhood Teachers and Special Education Teachers are Tier 2.
Physiotherapists, Midwives, Dentists, Pharmacists, and Clinical Psychologists all appear on Green List Tier 1.
Dairy Farm Managers and Dairy Farm Assistants appear on Green List Tier 2.
Our New Zealand desk works with NZQA-approved providers across the country, from research universities offering Green List-aligned degrees to polytechnics and private training establishments with strong industry placement.
* Information shown for informatory purposes only and is subject to change. Final partnership status, intake availability, and entry requirements are confirmed during your consultation.
New Zealand's largest city and commercial hub. The University of Auckland is the country's top-ranked institution. AUT is strong in health, engineering, and hospitality. High demand for IT and healthcare graduates.
The capital and public-sector hub. Victoria University of Wellington covers law, policy, and commerce. Massey's Wellington campus anchors design and creative arts. Government employers concentrate here.
Secure a confirmed offer of place from an NZQA-approved education provider. The provider must be on Immigration New Zealand's approved list. We verify the provider, course level, and Green List occupation alignment before you commit.
Demonstrate NZD $20,000 per year in living funds plus first-year tuition already paid. A chest X-ray is required for students from high-TB countries planning to stay 6 months or more. Police certificates required if your total NZ stay will exceed 24 months.
File the Fee Paying Student Visa application online through the Immigration New Zealand portal. We prepare the full bundle: offer letter, fund evidence, health certificates, and a genuine intention statement where required.
On arrival, you may work up to 25 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time in holidays. From your first week, we track your Post-Study Work Visa timeline and Green List residence eligibility.
Eight questions covering academic admission, English proficiency, funds (NZD), qualification level, and Green List occupation alignment.
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“Excellent experience with my study permit application. Every step was explained clearly, documents were handled accurately, and my permit was approved smoothly within 1 month.”
“Amazing detail orientation and risk-taking capabilities which was really required in my case. I was able to get my bridging open work permit and PR confirmation thanks to their guidance.”
“I recently received my Open Work Permit under the temporary public policy. They don't make any delays and are always ready to answer queries via phone or email. One can trust them without any worries.”
“So happy I opted for Chase to process my family's visit visa. Both Priya and Sana are helpful and available to cater to any query. The process is easy — very responsive on WhatsApp and email too.”
“Great experience with my PGWP application. Applied on August 26 and approved on January 29. Communication throughout was very smooth. Professional guidance and excellent administrative support.”
“Very happy I chose Chase Global for my open work permit. They are very professional. Their positive attitude and effective communication made the process seamless.”
“Excellent experience filing my PR application. The transparency provided made it seamless and effortless. Very fast in submitting an application and reciprocating. Highly recommend.”
“Outstanding experience with my vulnerable open work permit application. Their expertise ensured my application was handled efficiently — I received my permit in just 15 days.”
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“My work permit was just approved within 1 month. Chase Global Immigration is my best immigration consultant — you guys are very good at what you do.”
“Very supportive and encouraging every step of the way. It only took us less than 2 weeks to get my parents' visitor visa approved! They relieved us from all the stress of tedious processing.”
“My dad had 2 rejections before. Thanks to Chase Immigration — with their amazing work and proper guidance, my father's super visa was approved within one month. So happy with the result!”
Master's and doctoral graduates who studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand receive a 3-year open Post-Study Work Visa, allowing work with any employer in any sector. Bachelor's degree graduates receive an open work visa for a duration matching their study period. Graduates of sub-degree qualifications (Level 4 to 6) receive a restricted visa tied to their field of study. We plan your qualification level and program length to maximise your post-study runway.
The Green List is New Zealand's shortage occupation list covering over 200 roles across health, engineering, IT, trades, and education. Tier 1 roles qualify for straight-to-residence once you are employed with an accredited employer, with no waiting period. Tier 2 roles qualify for residence after 24 months of eligible work. We match your degree field to specific Green List occupations from day one of your study plan.
Yes. The Fee Paying Student Visa allows up to 25 hours of work per week during academic sessions. During official scheduled holidays, you may work full-time. We model your budget against this limit before you commit to your first year.
Immigration New Zealand processes 80% of Fee Paying Student Visa applications within 9.5 weeks. We recommend applying at least 8 weeks before your intended travel date and 3 months in advance if possible. We file with all documents staged to avoid mid-process delays.
Book a free assessment now and we map your program, your post-study visa, and your Green List residence path together.
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