New Zealand has announced a new six-month work visa for eligible international graduates who do not qualify for its existing Post-Study Work Visa.
Applications for the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will open on November 16, 2026. The visa will provide open work rights without requiring applicants to secure a job first.
Eligible graduates must complete a New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework Level 5, 6 or 7 qualification in New Zealand.
The qualification must involve at least 24 weeks of full-time study and must not qualify the applicant for a Post-Study Work Visa.
However, English-language, foundation and bridging qualifications will remain excluded from the new visa.
Applicants must also have at least NZ$5,000 for living expenses and meet health and character requirements.
Graduates must submit applications within three months after their student visa expires. The visa can only be granted once and cannot be extended or renewed.
New visa offers graduates more time
The government designed the visa to give graduates additional time to find employment and potentially move to another work visa.
However, visa holders cannot own or operate businesses. They must work under an employment agreement or a contract for services.
Post-Study Work Visa eligibility expands
Meanwhile, New Zealand will expand Post-Study Work Visa eligibility from November 16.
Under revised rules, graduates completing an eligible Level 7 Graduate Diploma may qualify if they already hold a bachelor’s degree from New Zealand or overseas.
The Graduate Diploma must be studied full-time in New Zealand for its entire duration. Cross-crediting and recognition of prior learning will not count toward the required study period.
Eligible graduates can receive a Post-Study Work Visa for up to three years, depending on their qualification.
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