Post-Study Work Visa opens to graduate diploma holders from 16 November 2026
From 16 November 2026, graduates of a level 7 graduate diploma who also hold a bachelor's degree can get a Post-Study Work Visa with open work rights. Here's who qualifies.
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Immigration New Zealand announced on 10 September 2026 that more graduates will be able to stay and work after their studies. From 16 November 2026, eligibility for the Post-Study Work Visa extends to some level 7 graduate diploma holders.
Who now qualifies
You may be eligible if you:
- completed a level 7 graduate diploma full-time in New Zealand, for its full duration, and
- also hold a bachelor's degree, from New Zealand or overseas, awarded at any time.
Credit transfers and recognition of prior learning don't count towards the diploma study.
What you get
A visa for as long as you studied the diploma in New Zealand, up to 1 year, with open work rights: you can work for almost any employer, in any job.
Graduate diploma holders without a bachelor's degree can only get a Post-Study Work Visa if their diploma is on the eligible list, and must then work in the listed occupation. Others may be able to get the 6-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.
Other changes from 16 November
- Students apply through the enhanced Immigration Online system.
- Paper applications for the Post-Study Work Visa are no longer accepted.
Remember the deadline
You must apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring, and you can usually only hold one Post-Study Work Visa. Plan which qualification you'll use it for. See the Post-Study Work Visa section of our work guide.
This is general information, not immigration advice. For advice on your situation, talk to a licensed immigration adviser.