New Zealand Extends Post-Study Work Visa Eligibility for Graduate Diploma Holders

What changed

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has initiated a proposed rulemaking to introduce substantial new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 nonimmigrant students. This measure, announced on 8 October 2026, aims to enhance the integrity of the immigration system by deterring fraud and protecting the interests of U.S. workers. Under the proposal, an initial OPT application would incur a fee of $70,000, while any subsequent OPT would cost $30,000. Stakeholders have until 9 November 2026 to submit comments on these proposed changes.

What changed

The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) took effect on 20 October 2026, introducing significant new immigration and mobility commitments between the two countries. The treaty creates two new Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visa streams—the India Skilled Work Visa and the India Iconic Work Visa—capped at a combined total of 5,000 visa holders in New Zealand at any one time. Most of these places are set aside for jobs on New Zealand's Green List. Visas are granted for three years and require work with an accredited employer. Alongside these temporary work routes, the agreement extends post-study work rights for Indian nationals holding New Zealand doctoral degrees (PhDs) from three years to up to four years, starting on 16 November 2026. The FTA also guarantees in-study work rights of at least 20 hours a week for Indian students if general policies change, and commits New Zealand to introducing an annual 1,000-place Working Holiday Scheme for Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 within two years of the agreement taking effect.

What changed

On 20 October 2026, Immigration New Zealand published an announcement on an important Employment Court judgment confirming that New Zealand's ban on charging employment fees can apply even if a payment is requested or made outside the country. The full Employment Court issued the judgment on 8 October 2026 in two related sets of proceedings: Labour Inspector v Top Produce Ltd and Bhatia v Khanna. The Court resolved uncertainty over how section 12A of the Wages Protection Act 1983 applies to recruitment payments made overseas for jobs based in New Zealand.

What changed

On 20 October 2026, new provisions of Canada's Canada Labour Code came into force, introducing stronger protections against certain fees charged by temporary help agencies and establishing equal-treatment requirements for workers in federally regulated employment. The federal government has published two complementary guidance documents: Temporary Help Agencies – IPG-123 and Equal Treatment – IPG-122. These explain how the new requirements apply, which workers are covered, when differences in pay may be permitted, and how employees can raise concerns.