New Zealand Announces Post-Study Work Visa Eligibility Criteria

New Zealand Immigration has published guidance regarding the eligibility of international graduates for a post-study work visa, effective in 2026. The guidance specifies three categories of graduates who can apply: 1) Graduates with a Level 7 degree qualification who studied full-time for at least 30 weeks; 2) Graduates with Level 8, 9, or 10 qualifications who also studied full-time for at least 30 weeks; 3) Graduates with non-degree qualifications at Levels 4 to 7 who studied full-time for the entire duration required for their qualification, which must be listed as eligible.

The first two categories require proof of full-time study for a minimum of 30 weeks, while the third category has stricter conditions. New Zealand Immigration emphasizes that eligibility may depend on when the applicant applied for their student visa, advising graduates to consult the official guidance to confirm applicable rules before applying.