Immigration New Zealand Online Application Process
A Post-study Work Visa application must be submitted online through the Immigration New Zealand website. This guide explains the detailed process from login to submission.
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Before applying, make sure you have completed the medical exam and obtained the Completion Letter.
Before Applying
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| RealMe account | If you have applied for a Student Visa before, you usually already have one; otherwise register |
| Passport | Scan of the personal information page (PDF) |
| Completion Letter | Course completion proof downloaded from My eQuals (PDF) |
| Transcript | Academic Transcript (PDF) |
| Medical eMedical | NZHR number; the medical exam has been completed and uploaded |
| Criminal record certificate | If required, see Criminal Record Certificate |
| Proof of funds | Bank statements or similar evidence showing you have enough funds to support yourself in New Zealand |
| Visa / MasterCard / UnionPay card | Pay the visa fee |
Application Process
Step 1: Open the work visa login page
Visit immigration.govt.nz and, on the "Log into our online systems" page:
- For What would you like to do?, select Start, edit or check the status of an application
- For Choose a visa or application type, select Work visas
- Click Log in (using RealMe)
Step 2: RealMe login
- Existing account: enter your username and password, then click Log in
- No account: click Create a RealMe login and follow the prompts to register
Step 3: Create a new application
After logging in, go to My Account and click Work Visa under Create a new application.
Step 4: Confirm whether the form is suitable
On the Is this form right for you? page, answer the screening questions:
- Are you applying for one of these types of work visas? Select Yes, and confirm that it is one of the listed types such as Post-Study Work Visa
- Do you have a MasterCard, Visa or UnionPay card to pay? Select Yes or I am from a fee waiver country
- Are you an Australian citizen or permanent resident? Select No
WARNING
Do not use this form to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa. If an employer has provided a job offer, you will receive a dedicated application link.
Click Start My Application >> to begin.
Step 5: Identity and Contact
Fill in personal information, passport details, residential address, email, phone number, and other details. Tick the privacy statement and click Continue >>.
Step 6: Work Details
- What type of work visa are you applying for? Select Post-Study Work Visa
- Do you have a job offer that requires New Zealand Registration? Select I don't have a job offer
- How long do you plan to stay in New Zealand in total? Select 24 months or more
- Did you hold, or had you applied for, your student visa on or before 11 May 2022? Choose according to your actual situation (usually Yes)
Step 7: Health Details
- Tuberculosis, special medical needs, pregnancy, and similar questions: answer according to your actual situation
- Where have you visited or lived for more than 3 months within the last 5 years? Add countries where you lived for more than 3 months, such as China
- Chest X-ray / General Medical Certificate: if you have completed the medical exam, answer according to your actual situation; chest X-rays are valid for 36 months
- If Immigration New Zealand has previously requested medical materials, fill in the details as prompted
Step 8: Character Details
Answer questions about criminal records, deportation, visa refusals, police certificates, and similar matters. If you plan to stay for 24 months or more, you may need to provide a police certificate.
- If you have previously provided a Chinese police certificate, explain whether it was issued within 24 months
- See Immigration New Zealand's Police certificate guidance
Step 9: Work History
Fill in current and previous work history, including employer name, address, position, start and end dates, and other details.
Step 10: Qualification History
Fill in education information: start and end dates (mm/yyyy), institution name, and qualification name. This corresponds to the Completion Letter and transcript required for the Post-Study Work Visa.
Step 11: Other Contacts
If you have relatives, friends, or contacts in New Zealand, select Yes and fill in their name, relationship, address, phone number, and other details. If not, select No.
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If you select Yes, you must fill in all required fields marked with *, otherwise the page will show "You must answer all mandatory questions".
Step 12: Apply on Behalf / Assist
- Are you completing this form on behalf of someone else? If applying for yourself, select No
- Have you received immigration advice or assistance? Choose according to your actual situation
Step 13: Upload Documents
Upload materials according to the checklist. Each file must be no larger than 10 MB. Multi-page materials need to be combined into one PDF before upload.
| Material | Format | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ID photo | JPEG | Passport-style photo meeting Immigration New Zealand requirements |
| Passport | Personal information page | |
| Evidence of qualifications | Completion Letter and transcript | |
| Evidence of sufficient funds | Bank statements or other proof of funds; non-English documents require certified translation | |
| Medical information | eMedical | Enter the NZHR number; the clinic uploads the medical exam directly |
| Police certificate | If required, such as a Chinese criminal record certificate |
Step 14: Declaration
Read the declaration, confirm that the information is true, authorize Immigration New Zealand to verify it, including with financial institutions, tick I agree, and click Continue >>. After completing payment, the application is submitted.
After Applying
- Log in to the Immigration New Zealand system to check application status
- Processing time varies by case, usually from several weeks to several months
- If additional materials are required, Immigration New Zealand will notify you by email or system message
Related Links
- Post-study Work Visa overview
- Medical exam
- Completion Letter
- Immigration New Zealand
- Criminal Record Certificate
- Bank Statements
Last edited: 2026-03-23 · Author: Bald-M