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The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will permit graduates to work for an employer under an employment agreement or contract for services.
The changes aim to support international education and help graduates transition into jobs that meet New Zealand’s skills requirements. (AI Generated Image)
Immigration New Zealand has announced a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa and an expansion of eligibility for the Post Study Work Visa to better align graduate pathways with the country’s workforce needs. The changes aim to support international education and help graduates transition into jobs that meet New Zealand’s skills requirements. These measures are expected to attract and retain skilled international graduates while maintaining the country’s education standards.
Starting from late 2026, the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will provide eligible international graduates with up to six months of open work rights, allowing them to search for employment and potentially transition to an employer-sponsored work visa.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must have completed a qualification at levels 5 to 7 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework. The programme must have been studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks and should not be an English language, foundation, or bridging qualification. Applicants must also show they have at least NZ $5,000 to support themselves and apply within three months after their student visa expires.
The visa will permit graduates to work for an employer under an employment agreement or contract for services. However, visa holders will not be allowed to run their own business or sponsor partners and children for work or student visas.
Existing Post Study Work Visa
The government will also expand eligibility for the existing Post Study Work Visa. From late 2026, graduates who complete a Graduate Diploma at NZQCF level 7 in New Zealand will be eligible to apply, provided they also hold a bachelor’s degree earned either in New Zealand or overseas.
Applicants must complete the diploma programme in New Zealand and submit their bachelor’s degree certificate and official academic transcript. An international qualification assessment will not be necessary for overseas bachelor’s degrees, though immigration officials may verify the authenticity of the qualification.
The Post Study Work Visa issued under this pathway will correspond to the length of time spent studying the diploma in New Zealand, up to a maximum of one year.
Officials clarified that individuals can receive only one Post Study Work Visa during their stay in New Zealand, even if they complete another qualification at the same or higher level later.
Unlike the short-term graduate visa, holders of the Post Study Work Visa will be able to support partners and dependent children for visitor, work, or student visas if they meet immigration requirements.
Immigration authorities stated that the changes aim to strengthen the connection between international education and employment while helping New Zealand address skill shortages in key sectors.
March 16, 2026, 11:42 IST
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