New Zealand widens post-study work from 16 November: a graduate diploma plus a bachelor’s now qualifies, and a 6-month visa opens

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will bring in two changes to post-study work on Monday 16 November 2026. Graduates of a Level 7 graduate diploma who also hold a bachelor’s degree, from New Zealand or overseas, become eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) with open work conditions. And a new 6-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa opens for graduates of Level 5 to 7 qualifications who do not qualify for a PSWV. INZ published the details on 10 September 2026.

Graduate diploma plus a bachelor’s

To qualify, the graduate diploma must be at NZQCF Level 7, studied full-time in New Zealand for its full length, with no cross-credits or recognition of prior learning. You must also hold a bachelor’s degree. INZ says there is no time limit on when the degree was awarded, and an overseas degree does not need an International Qualification Assessment, though INZ can check that it is genuine. You will need the degree certificate and an official transcript.

The visa runs for as long as you studied the graduate diploma in New Zealand, up to one year. PSWV holders can support a partner and dependent children for visitor, work or dependent child student visas if they meet the requirements. Without a bachelor’s, a graduate diploma leads to a PSWV only if it is on INZ’s list of eligible qualifications, and the holder must then work in the listed occupation.

The new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa

• For a qualification at NZQCF Level 5 to 7, studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks, that is not an English, foundation or bridging course and does not lead to a PSWV.
• You need at least NZD 5,000 to support yourself, and a medical certificate and chest X-ray depending on how long you will stay.
• Apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring. If your student visa expired before 16 August 2026, you cannot apply.
• Work must be for an employer; owning a business is not allowed. The visa cannot be extended, and it cannot support a partner’s work visa.

Other rules to know

A Level 8 postgraduate diploma can lead to a 1-year PSWV and a Level 9 master’s to a 3-year PSWV, with at least 30 weeks of full-time study in the qualification the visa is based on. A person can be granted only one PSWV, and anyone who has held one cannot get the short-term visa. Both visas are applied for through INZ’s enhanced Immigration Online system from 16 November.

What to do now

1. If you hold an Indian bachelor’s and are comparing a Level 7 graduate diploma with a Level 8 postgraduate diploma, note that from 16 November both can lead to up to a year of open work.
2. Keep your bachelor’s certificate and official transcript ready for the application.
3. If you are finishing a Level 5 to 7 course, mark the 3-month window after your student visa ends.

CareerBox News Desk, reporting on Immigration New Zealand announcements of 10 September 2026 on Post-Study Work Visa eligibility and the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa. Official portal: immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/post-study-work-visa-eligibility-extended-from-16-november-2026/. Dates and eligibility change; confirm them on the official portal before you act.