New Zealand expands Post-Study Work Visa eligibility; launches 6-month graduate work visa from November 16

New Zealand will expand Post-Study Work Visa eligibility from November 16, 2026, allowing certain graduates with a Level 7 graduate diploma and a bachelor's degree to qualify for a work visa of up to one year.

To qualify, graduates must have studied the graduate diploma full-time in New Zealand for its full duration. Cross-crediting and recognition of prior learning will not count. The bachelor's degree can be from New Zealand or overseas, with no time limit on when it was completed.

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Applicants will need to provide their bachelor's degree certificate and official academic transcript. An International Qualification Assessment will not be required for overseas bachelor's degrees.

New 6-month graduate work visa

New Zealand will also introduce a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa from November 16 for eligible graduates who do not qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa.

The visa will provide six months of open work rights to graduates who completed a qualifying Level 5 to 7 qualification after at least 24 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand.

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Applicants must have at least NZD 5,000 to support themselves and apply within three months of their New Zealand student visa expiring.

The visa cannot be extended or granted more than once. Holders cannot own a business and cannot support a partner for a work visa or children for a Dependent Child Student Visa.

Applications for both visas will be available through New Zealand's Enhanced Immigration Online system from November 16.