Immigration New Zealand has made a major official announcement: major benefits for international students! Is it easier to stay in New Zealand?

Comprehensive report from New Zealand Chinese Herald In order to better link the path for international graduates to stay in New Zealand with the country’s skills needs, the New Zealand government announced that it will launch a new “Short Term Graduate Work Visa” and expand the scope of application of the existing “Post Study Work Visa”.

This series of changes is designed to support the growth of the international education industry and ensure that graduates can successfully enter jobs that meet New Zealand’s skills needs, while maintaining New Zealand’s reputation as a high-quality work and life destination around the world.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Have at least $5,000 to live on

Have not previously obtained a short-term graduate work visa or post-study work visa

If your studies are funded by the New Zealand Scholarship Scheme, written approval from the New Zealand Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or the New Zealand Ministry of Education is required

Depending on the expected length of stay in New Zealand, a valid medical certificate and chest X-ray are required.

Short-term graduate work permit

Estimated launch time: end of 2026

This visa provides eligible graduates with “Open Work Rights” for up to 6 months. This gives graduates ample time to find employment and, if appropriate, move to an Employer Verified Work Visa (AEWV).

Application conditions:

Proof of funds: Have at least $5,000 of available funds to support your needs.

Uniqueness: Have not previously obtained a short-term graduate work permit or post-study work permit.

Educational requirements: Hold a NZQCF level 5 to 7 qualification and:

Study full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks.

Non-English language, foundation or bridging courses.

Key points: The academic qualification itself must not be eligible to apply for a “post-study work permit”.

Timeline: The application must be submitted within 3 months after the student visa expires.

Employment form: Must hold an employment agreement or service contract, and are strictly prohibited from starting a business or doing business on their own.

Dependent Sponsorship: The holder cannot sponsor a spouse for a work visa or a child’s dependent student visa (but can sponsor a visit visa). Dependent children can also apply for a student visa as international students, and partners can apply for a work visa based on their own circumstances.

Subsequent study: After holding this visa, no new student visa will be approved unless you apply for a higher-level (such as undergraduate or above) course that qualifies for a post-study work permit.

Post-study work permit threshold lowered

Estimated effective date: end of 2026

The government will further relax the application qualifications for Level 7 Graduate Diploma holders.

Applicable population changes:

GD course: Students who have completed the NZQCF Level 7 Graduate Diploma can now apply for a post-study visa.

Prerequisites: Applicants must already hold an undergraduate degree (whether obtained in New Zealand or overseas, and there is no time limit for awarding).

Length of study: The entire GD program must be completed full-time in New Zealand (no credit credits or prior experience recognition RPL will be accepted).

In addition to proof of postgraduate diploma, applicants are also required to provide:

Copy of bachelor’s degree certificate (need to show degree type and awarding institution)

official transcript

Overseas bachelor’s degrees do not require an international qualifications assessment, but the Immigration Department can verify the authenticity of the degree for immigration purposes.

Visa duration and rights:

Duration: The same as the holder’s GD study period in New Zealand, up to 1 year.

Rights and Interests of Dependents: Unlike short-term work permits, post-study work permit holders can sponsor their spouses and children for visit, work or student visas according to regulations.

Restrictions: Each person can only obtain a post-study work permit once in a lifetime, and cannot apply again even if he subsequently takes higher-level courses.