What New Zealand’s 2025 Work Visa Changes Mean for International Graduates

For those preparing to begin their studies in New Zealand, whether enrolling independently or with the help of an education agent, and for those already on campus, adjusting to life and coursework, a fresh wave of immigration policy changes now frames what happens next. These adjustments concern the pathways that follow study, affecting how international students move into work, secure time in the country after graduation, and weigh up their longer-term options. The details below outline how the most recent visa settings introduced in 2025 will matter to anyone currently studying or planning to start soon.

Changes to the Post‑Study Work Visa

The post‑study work visa lets eligible students remain in New Zealand to gain work experience after graduating from a recognized course.

One of the recent changes helps those who complete a postgraduate diploma and then go on to a Master’s degree. Even if the Master’s is too short to meet eligibility rules by itself, graduates can now rely on their earlier diploma to apply for the visa. If you complete a PGDip in New Zealand (at least 30 weeks of full-time study) and then earn a Master’s that by itself wouldn’t qualify, you still can get a post-study work visa New Zealand offers by relying on the PGDip credential.

Another important change is the extension of the application window. Students now have up to 12 months from the end of their course to apply for the visa. This gives more time to prepare, search for work, and submit documents without facing last-minute pressure. 

Visa duration still depends on the qualification completed. Degree-level qualifications (Level 7 or higher) usually lead to a three‑year visa. Graduates of lower-level courses such as diplomas and certificates can still apply if their program is on the approved list, but their job must relate directly to what they studied.

This change means students have more clarity and fewer risks when combining qualifications in different formats. The rules now recognise education pathways that were previously left out, improving fairness for students following common academic progressions.

Adjustments to the Accredited Employer Work Visa

The Accredited Employer Work Visa also saw a number of adjustments this year. These changes aim to make hiring simpler for employers and remove barriers for migrants, especially new graduates.

A key update is the removal of the median wage threshold. Employers no longer need to meet the national median wage to hire someone under the AEWV. Instead, they must pay at least the minimum wage, or the market rate, or comply with wage rules set by a sector agreement.

The required work experience has been lowered from three years to two. This change supports newer professionals, including those who recently completed higher education and are beginning their careers in New Zealand. It reduces the time burden placed on job applicants and allows more flexibility in entry-level hiring.

For jobs classified as skill level 4 or 5 under the ANZSCO system, the maximum visa duration has increased to three years. Previously, these roles came with shorter work rights. This improvement makes it easier for people entering essential jobs to settle into longer roles without worrying about short renewals.

Another update affects the job check step. Employers no longer need to show proof of advertising or provide supporting materials. Instead, they must submit a signed declaration confirming they checked with local candidates, including those registered with Work and Income. This simplification is expected to speed up application timelines and reduce back-and-forth during visa processing.

For those supporting dependent children, the income threshold has increased to NZD 55,844. Workers must earn at or above this amount if they want to bring children with them on a dependent visa. This adjustment reflects economic changes and aims to align visa conditions with realistic cost-of-living expectations.

Impact of New Visa Settings on Graduate Job Paths

These changes provide more entry points and fewer restrictions, but they also require careful planning.

Graduates must be aware that the post‑study visa can be used only once. If a student completes another course later, even at a higher level, they cannot reapply for this visa. Because of this, the decision to apply should be made strategically.

In some situations, switching early to an AEWV may offer long-term advantages. This is especially true if the job offer matches roles listed in residence pathways such as the Green List. Under current immigration settings, only time spent on the AEWV counts toward the required work experience for some residency categories. 

What to Prioritise Once Your Course Ends

Graduates should check that their qualification is listed under the current eligibility rules. Diplomas and certificates must appear on the government’s approved course list to qualify for the post‑study visa.

The new 12-month period allows more flexibility, so students can take the time to prepare properly. Job hunting, additional training, or relocation can all happen before the visa application is made.

When evaluating job offers, make sure the employer is officially accredited. A list of eligible employers is available here.

Those who want to pursue residence should explore whether their job meets the criteria under programs like the Green List or sector agreements. Switching early to an AEWV might help start the timeline required for those categories.