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New Zealand has announced a new six-month work visa for international graduates as part of reforms to its post-study work system aimed at aligning immigration policies with labour market needs.
According to Immigration New Zealand, the Short-term Graduate Work Visa will take effect from November 16, 2026, allowing eligible international students to stay in the country for six months after completing their studies to seek employment, reports The Nation.
The government said the visa is designed to serve as a bridge into the job market and help graduates transition into longer-term options such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
To qualify, applicants must complete an eligible qualification at NZQF Level 5 to 7 after at least 24 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand, show proof of at least NZD $5,000 in funds, meet health requirements, and apply within three months of their student visa expiring.
Officials said the visa will be granted only once per person, cannot be extended, and will not be available to those who have previously held a Post Study Work Visa. Holders will also not be allowed to run a business or bring family members on dependent visas.
Alongside the new policy, New Zealand is expanding access to its Post Study Work Visa (PSWV), allowing graduates with a Level 7 graduate diploma and a bachelor’s degree to qualify under revised rules.
Authorities said the reforms are intended to strengthen the integrity of the international education system while ensuring post-study work opportunities are tied more closely to skills demand and labour shortages.
The changes are expected to create a more structured pathway for international graduates, combining short-term employment opportunities with expanded options for those with higher qualifications and in-demand skills.
