After completing the one-year post-study work visa, do I have to pay any visa fees while working in New Zealand?
Yes, you will pay new fees, since your post-study work visa cannot be renewed and is granted only once in your lifetime. To keep working, you must switch to another visa such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa, starting around NZD 1,540, or a costlier residence pathway.
Once your one-year post-study work visa expires, you cannot simply extend it, so you will need to pay for a fresh visa to keep working legally in New Zealand. Your next step depends on whether you have a confirmed job offer or enough points for residence. Budget for both the application fee and a few hidden extras before your current visa runs out.
Your Main Next-Visa Options And Costs
| Visa Route | Requirement | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Accredited Employer Work Visa | Job offer from an accredited employer | From NZD 1,540 |
| Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | Points threshold met | Around NZD 6,450 |
| Green List Straight to Residence | Role on the Green List | NZD 4,290 to 4,890 |
Hidden Extras To Budget For
- Medical certificates, roughly NZD 250 to 500, if your earlier chest X-ray or exam has expired.
- Police clearance certificates, with cost varying by your home country.
- Document translation if any new supporting papers are not in English.
My Advice
Start checking your employer's accreditation status with Immigration New Zealand at least three months before your post-study visa expires, since that single detail decides which pathway and fee bracket applies to you. Tell your counsellor your current job role and long-term goal so the exact route and cost can be mapped for your file.
How long can you stay and work after a NZ master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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