New Zealand unveils six-month work visa for international graduates

New Zealand is introducing a new six-month work visa for international graduates as part of broader reforms to its post-study work system, aiming to better align immigration policies with labor market needs. Starting November 16, 2026, eligible international students who complete certain qualifications in New Zealand will be able to apply for a Short-term Graduate Work Visa.

This new visa grants six months of open work rights after studies conclude. The government intends for it to serve as a short-term bridge, providing graduates with essential time to secure employment and transition into longer-term work options, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa. To qualify, applicants must have completed an eligible qualification at NZQF Level 5 to 7 after at least 24 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand.

Eligibility also requires applicants to demonstrate at least NZD $5,000 in available funds, meet health requirements, and submit their application within three months of their student visa expiring. The visa is strictly limited: it can only be obtained once per person, cannot be extended, and is not available to those who have previously held a Post Study Work Visa. Holders are also prohibited from running a business or supporting family members on this visa. This pathway is specifically designed for graduates who do not qualify for the Post Study Work Visa.

Concurrently, New Zealand is expanding access to its Post Study Work Visa (PSWV). Graduates completing a Level 7 graduate diploma in New Zealand may now qualify for a PSWV if they also hold a bachelor's degree from New Zealand or another country. Under the revised rules, the PSWV duration will generally correspond to the length of study for the graduate diploma, up to a maximum of one year. Applicants must provide proof of both qualifications. Officials have confirmed that individuals who have previously held a PSWV are ineligible for another. The government states these reforms aim to maintain the integrity of New Zealand's international education sector while ensuring post-study work rights are more closely linked to skill shortages and economic demands.

“

give graduates time to find employment and transition into longer-term options such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa.