Post-Study Work and PR: Australia vs New Zealand

How to read this comparison

Australia and New Zealand are two separate countries, each with its own immigration system run by its own authority. This guide describes how their post-study work and permanent-residence frameworks are organised, so you can understand the structure before researching the detail.

It does not declare either country better, and it does not state specific durations, points, fees, or occupation lists, because those are set in policy and change. It is general information, not immigration advice. Verify every detail on the relevant official government source: the Australian Department of Home Affairs for Australia, and Immigration New Zealand for New Zealand.

Post-study work: two different visas

In Australia, the main post-study work option for eligible graduates is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), administered by the Department of Home Affairs. In New Zealand, the equivalent is the Post Study Work Visa, administered by Immigration New Zealand.

In both countries, the length and eligibility depend on factors such as the qualification completed, and the settings are reviewed from time to time. The specific stream, duration, and conditions differ between the two systems, so check each authority's current rules separately rather than assuming they match.

• Australia: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — Department of Home Affairs
• New Zealand: Post Study Work Visa — Immigration New Zealand
• Length and eligibility depend on the qualification and are set in policy — verify each separately

Permanent residence: separate points systems

Both countries use points-tested frameworks for skilled permanent or resident visas, but they are distinct systems. Australia's skilled migration includes points-tested visas such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and state/territory-nominated and regional options (for example subclasses 190 and 491), managed by the Department of Home Affairs. New Zealand's main skilled residence pathway is the Skilled Migrant Category, which was revised in 2023 to a points system, managed by Immigration New Zealand.

The factors assessed, the points required, and how each factor is scored are defined separately by each authority and change over time. This guide does not state point totals — confirm them on each official source.

• Australia: points-tested skilled visas (e.g. subclass 189, plus 190/491 nominated/regional)
• New Zealand: Skilled Migrant Category (revised in 2023 to a points system)
• Each has its own factors and thresholds — verify on the respective official source

In-demand occupation references

Both countries reference occupations in their skilled pathways. Australia uses official skilled occupation lists in its migration program, while New Zealand maintains the Green List of in-demand roles with streamlined pathways. The roles, categories, and conditions on these lists are reviewed and updated.

Because these lists change, this guide does not reproduce them or claim a specific occupation appears on either. Check Australia's official occupation lists via the Department of Home Affairs and New Zealand's Green List via Immigration New Zealand for the current position.

What this means for your planning

The right choice depends on your own goals, your field of study, your circumstances, and the rules in force when you apply — not on which framework looks simpler on paper. Studying in either country does not by itself lead to permanent residence, and no pathway can be guaranteed.

Use this comparison to understand how the two systems are shaped, then make decisions based on the current, official criteria in each country and, where appropriate, advice from a suitably qualified professional. This page is general information, not immigration advice.