New Zealand Introduces Short-Term Graduate Work Visa

New Zealand is set to introduce a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa, allowing eligible international graduates to remain in the country for six months with open work rights. This new visa pathway is being introduced to better align graduate opportunities with New Zealand’s skills needs.

The new visa will be available to eligible international students who have completed, or are currently completing, qualifying studies in New Zealand. To be eligible, applicants must have a qualification at the NZQCF Level 5 to 7, which has been completed on a full-time basis for at least 24 weeks in New Zealand.

Applicants must also meet certain requirements, including having at least NZD 5,000 available to support themselves during their stay, meeting the applicable health requirements, and not having previously been granted a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa or a Post-Study Work Visa.

The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will allow holders to carry out any work under an employment contract or under a services contract, but business ownership will not be permissible. Family support provisions will also apply, with holders not entitled to provide support for their spouse under a work visa and children under a dependent child student visa.

However, family members may be able to apply for other visas independently, with partners able to apply for work visas on their own merit and dependent children able to apply for student visas as international students.

It is worth noting that an individual is allowed to have only one Short-Term Graduate Work Visa, which cannot be renewed. However, an individual who had a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa before may consider applying for another student visa if their programme meets certain criteria.

The introduction of the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is expected to provide eligible international graduates with more opportunities to gain work experience in New Zealand and potentially transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

The new visa pathway is part of New Zealand’s efforts to attract and retain international talent, and to address the country’s skills needs. With the visa set to be introduced on November 16, 2026, eligible international graduates can start applying and taking advantage of the new opportunities available to them.

In terms of the application process, all applications should be lodged no later than three months after the expiry of the applicant’s New Zealand student visa. Applicants should ensure they meet all the eligibility requirements and have the necessary documentation before submitting their application.

Overall, the introduction of the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is a positive development for international graduates in New Zealand, providing them with more opportunities to gain work experience and build their careers in the country.

The new visa pathway is also expected to benefit New Zealand’s economy, by attracting and retaining international talent and addressing the country’s skills needs. With its introduction, New Zealand is taking a significant step towards becoming a more attractive destination for international students and graduates.