New Zealand launches 6-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa from November 16, 2026

New Zealand launched a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa on Nov 16, 2026, granting eligible graduates six months of open work rights to seek jobs and plan visas.

New Zealand will introduce a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa from November 16, 2026, allowing eligible international graduates to remain in the country for six months with open work rights while they look for employment.The new visa pathway is being introduced to better align graduate opportunities with New Zealand’s skills needs. Eligible international students who have completed, or are currently completing, qualifying studies in New Zealand will be able to apply from November 16, 2026.This visa allows six months of open work authorization, providing enough time for students to get a job and, if they qualify, change their visa status into that of an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).All applications should be lodged no later than three months after the expiry of the applicant’s New Zealand student visa.New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa 2026: EligibilityThe applicant needs to 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.The qualification should not be an English language or foundation/bridging qualification.The qualification should not entitle the applicant for a Post-Study Work Visa by itself.Candidates must have at least NZD 5,000 available to support themselves during their stay.Meet the applicable health requirements, including a valid medical certificate and chest X-ray, depending on the intended length of stay.Have not previously been granted a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa or a Post-Study Work Visa.Applicants whose studies were supported under the New Zealand Scholarship Programme must have written approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Education New Zealand.Work Conditions under the New VisaGraduate work visa Short Term visa holders shall be entitled to carry out any work under an employment contract or under a services contract.Business ownership shall not be permissible under this visa.Family support provisions will also apply under this visa such that holders will not be 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. Partners can apply for work visas on their own merit, while dependent children can apply for student visas as international students. Visa holders can also check whether they are able to support their family members for visitor visas.Only One Short-Term Graduate Work Visa AllowedIt is worth noting that an individual is allowed to have only one Short-Term Graduate Work Visa. It should not be renewed, and the applicant is not allowed to apply for another visa in the same category.Nonetheless, an individual who had a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa before may consider applying for another student visa if his or her programme meets certain criteria.Specifically, it should be noted that the programme in question has to be of either a bachelor’s degree or a qualification of higher level in the NZQCF than the qualification that the previous visa was based on.Students who previously held a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will also face restrictions on changing their programme or education provider unless they continue to meet these requirements.How to apply for New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work VisaApplications for the new visa will open online from November 16, 2026, through New Zealand's Enhanced Immigration Online (ADEPT) system.International students must apply within three months of their New Zealand student visa expiring.The New Zealand authorities have also clarified that students whose visas expired before August 16, 2026, will not be eligible to apply when the new visa category opens on November 16.The new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is intended to provide eligible graduates with a temporary opportunity to gain employment experience in New Zealand and potentially move to a longer-term work pathway where they meet the relevant requirements.