New Zealand Extends Post-Study Work Visa Eligibility from 16 November 2026

Immigration New Zealand has announced changes to the Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV), expanding eligibility for international graduates from Monday, 16 November 2026.

The changes are intended to better align graduate pathways with New Zealand’s skills needs and will extend eligibility to certain students completing Level 7 Graduate Diplomas.

Level 7 Graduate Diploma Holders

From 16 November 2026, graduates may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa if they:

• Complete a Graduate Diploma at NZQCF Level 7;
• Study full-time in New Zealand for the full duration of the qualification;
• Are enrolled in the qualification for its full duration, without cross-crediting or recognition of prior learning; and
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree, completed either in New Zealand or overseas.

There is no time limit on when the Bachelor’s degree must have been awarded.

Eligible Graduate Diploma holders who also hold a Bachelor’s degree may be granted a Post-Study Work Visa with open work conditions. The visa may be issued for the duration of the Graduate Diploma study undertaken in New Zealand, up to a maximum of one year.

Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s Programmes

Applicants who complete an eligible Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8) may qualify for a one-year Post-Study Work Visa, while those completing an eligible Master’s degree (Level 9) may qualify for a three-year Post-Study Work Visa.

Applicants must meet the applicable study requirements, including completing at least 30 weeks of full-time study in the qualification on which the visa application is based.

Important Information

An individual can only be granted one Post-Study Work Visa. Anyone who has previously held a Post-Study Work Visa will not be eligible for another, even if they complete a qualification at the same or a higher level.

Post-Study Work Visa holders may also be able to support their partners and dependent children for eligible visitor, work or dependent child student visas, subject to Immigration New Zealand requirements.

From 16 November 2026, international students will be able to apply for the Post-Study Work Visa through Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system.

Further Information

For complete eligibility criteria, application requirements and further information, please refer to the official Immigration New Zealand announcement:

Immigration New Zealand – Post-Study Work Visa eligibility extended from 16 November 2026
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/post-study-work-visa-eligibility-extended-from-16-november-2026/

Source: Immigration New Zea