Archive · 15 Sep 2026
New Zealand Announces Six-Month Graduate Work Visa Route
New Zealand is creating a new work visa for some international students who graduate there.
The visa will start on November 16, 2026.
It will last for up to six months.
Graduates can work while they look for a job and consider longer-term work choices.
The visa is for people who cannot use the existing Post-Study Work Visa.
Applicants must complete an approved qualification at Level 5, 6 or 7.
They must study full-time for at least 24 weeks.
The visa can be given only once and cannot be extended.
New Zealand will introduce the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa on November 16, 2026.
The visa will let eligible international graduates work while seeking employment and exploring longer-term options.
It will provide open work rights to graduates who do not qualify for the existing Post-Study Work Visa.
Applicants must complete an eligible NZQCF Level 5, 6 or 7 qualification.
The qualification must be studied full-time for at least 24 weeks, and the visa can be granted only once without extension.
- Who
- Eligible international graduates who completed specified New Zealand qualifications.
- What
- New Zealand will introduce a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa providing up to six months of open work rights.
- When
- The new visa will be available from November 16, 2026; Immigration New Zealand announced it on September 10.
- Where
- New Zealand.
- Why
- To allow eligible graduates who do not qualify for the existing Post-Study Work Visa to work while seeking employment and exploring longer-term work options.
- Visa name
- Short-Term Graduate Work Visa
- Start date
- November 16, 2026
- Maximum validity
- Six months
- Extension
- The visa cannot be extended
- Eligibility
- Graduates who do not qualify for the existing Post-Study Work Visa
- Qualification levels
- New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework Levels 5, 6 or 7
- Study requirement
- Full-time study for at least 24 weeks