New Zealand will launch the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa on November 16, 2026, giving eligible international graduates up to six months of open work rights. The new pathway is designed for graduates whose qualifications do not make them eligible for the country’s Post-Study Work Visa.
The New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will provide a temporary opportunity for eligible international graduates to remain in the country, search for employment and potentially transition to a longer-term work pathway, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Immigration New Zealand announced that applications for the new visa will open on Monday, November 16, 2026. Applicants must submit their applications within three months of their New Zealand student visa expiring.
What Is the New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa?
The New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is a new six-month work visa for certain international graduates who have completed eligible studies in New Zealand but do not qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa.
The visa will provide:
- Up to six months of open work rights
- The ability to look for employment in New Zealand
- An opportunity to explore a longer-term work option
- A possible pathway toward an Accredited Employer Work Visa, where the applicant meets the relevant requirements
The visa is intended to better align graduate immigration pathways with New Zealand’s skills and labour-market needs.
Unlike some other work visa categories, this visa is not designed as a long-term residence pathway by itself. Its primary purpose is to give eligible graduates time to secure suitable employment and assess their next immigration option.
When Will Applications Open?
Applications for the New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will open on:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Application opening date | November 16, 2026 |
| Visa duration | Up to 6 months |
| Application platform | Enhanced Immigration Online, also known as ADEPT |
| Application deadline | Within 3 months of the student visa expiring |
| Work rights | Open work rights |
| Extension available | No |
International students will be able to apply online through Immigration New Zealand’s Enhanced Immigration Online system from the launch date.
Who Is Eligible for the New Visa?
To qualify for the New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa, applicants must meet several requirements related to their qualification, study duration, financial resources and previous immigration history.
Applicants must generally:
- Hold an eligible qualification at NZQCF Level 5, 6 or 7
- Have studied the qualification full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks
- Hold a qualification that does not make them eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa
- Have at least NZD $5,000 in available funds
- Meet applicable health requirements
- Have not previously been granted a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa or a Post-Study Work Visa
The qualification must not be an English-language, foundation or bridging qualification.
Qualification Requirements
The qualification must be at New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) Level 5 to 7 and must have been studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks.
However, not every Level 5 to 7 qualification will qualify. The programme must also be one that does not make the graduate eligible for the Post-Study Work Visa.
This means the new visa is primarily aimed at graduates who have completed eligible studies but fall outside the existing Post-Study Work Visa criteria.
NZD $5,000 Funds Requirement
Applicants for the New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa must show that they have at least NZD $5,000 available to support themselves during their stay.
This financial requirement is intended to demonstrate that applicants can meet their living expenses while looking for work or preparing for their next immigration step.
Applicants should retain evidence of their available funds and ensure the documentation meets Immigration New Zealand’s requirements at the time of application.
Health and Medical Requirements
Applicants must meet New Zealand’s health requirements.
Depending on the intended length of stay and individual circumstances, they may need to provide:
- A medical certificate
- A chest X-ray
- Other health-related documentation requested by Immigration New Zealand
Whether a medical examination or chest X-ray is required can depend on factors such as the applicant’s nationality, previous residence, travel history and intended stay.
Applicants should check the official health instructions before submitting the application.
Work Conditions Under the New Visa
The New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa provides open work rights, but the work must be undertaken under an employment agreement or a contract for services.
Visa holders may work for an employer under an employment agreement or contract for services. However, business ownership is not permitted under this visa.
This means holders cannot use the visa to establish or operate their own business as a business owner.
Graduates should also understand that open work rights do not automatically guarantee eligibility for another visa. To transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa, they would still need to meet the relevant requirements, including those related to the employer, job and employment offer.
Family Sponsorship Restrictions
One important limitation is that holders of the New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa cannot support certain family members for visas based on their own visa status.
They cannot support:
- A partner for a work visa
- Children for a Dependent Child Student Visa
However, family members may have other options.
For example:
- A partner may apply for a work visa independently if they meet the requirements.
- A partner may be able to apply for a visitor visa.
- Dependent children may apply for student visas as international students.
- Family members must qualify independently for any visa they seek.
Applicants planning to bring family members should assess these options separately rather than assuming that the new graduate visa automatically provides family work or study rights.
Only One Short-Term Graduate Work Visa Is Allowed
The New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is a one-time opportunity.
An individual can only be granted one visa of this type. It cannot be:
- Extended
- Renewed
- Granted for a second time
A person who has previously held this visa cannot apply for another Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.
The same restriction applies to individuals who have previously been granted a Post-Study Work Visa. They will not be eligible for a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa simply because they later complete another qualification.
Can Visa Holders Study Again?
A person who holds or previously held the New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa may be able to apply for another student visa, but strict conditions apply.
The proposed study must generally be:
- A bachelor’s degree; or
- A programme at a higher NZQCF level than the qualification used for the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa; and
- A qualification that makes the applicant eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa
This means the new student visa cannot simply be used to repeat the same level of study or switch casually to another programme.
Students who previously held the short-term graduate visa may also face restrictions when attempting to change their programme or education provider. They must continue to meet the requirements connected to higher-level study and future Post-Study Work Visa eligibility.
Three-Month Application Deadline
Applicants must apply for the New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa within three months of their student visa expiring.
This deadline is especially important for students whose visas expire well before the visa opens.
For example, Immigration New Zealand states that if a student visa expires before August 16, 2026, the person will not be eligible to apply when applications open on November 16, 2026, because the three-month application window will have already passed.
Students should therefore calculate the deadline based on the expiry date of their student visa rather than the date they completed their studies.
How to Apply Online
Applications for the New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will be submitted online through Enhanced Immigration Online, also known as ADEPT.
Applicants should prepare:
- Passport and identity documents
- Evidence of the eligible New Zealand qualification
- Academic transcripts or confirmation of study
- Proof of full-time study for at least 24 weeks
- Evidence of at least NZD $5,000 in available funds
- Medical and chest X-ray documents, if required
- Details of previous New Zealand visas
- Any additional documents requested by Immigration New Zealand
The official visa page will provide the application process and document requirements when the system opens.
Official resource: Short-Term Graduate Work Visa – Immigration New Zealand
How the New Visa Differs From the Post-Study Work Visa
The new visa is separate from New Zealand’s existing Post-Study Work Visa.
The Post-Study Work Visa can allow eligible graduates to remain and work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on their qualification and circumstances. The new short-term visa, by contrast, provides up to six months of open work rights for graduates who do not qualify for the Post-Study Work Visa.
| Feature | Short-Term Graduate Work Visa | Post-Study Work Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 6 months | Up to 3 years |
| Target applicants | Graduates not eligible for PSWV | Graduates meeting PSWV requirements |
| Work rights | Open work rights | Depends on qualification and visa conditions |
| Extension | Not available | Not generally renewable |
| Family support | Restricted | May be available if requirements are met |
| Long-term pathway | May lead toward another work visa | Can support longer-term options depending on circumstances |
Related Post-Study Work Visa Changes
From November 16, 2026, New Zealand will also expand Post-Study Work Visa eligibility for certain graduates who complete a Level 7 graduate diploma and also hold a bachelor’s degree completed in New Zealand or overseas.
The graduate diploma must have been studied full-time in New Zealand for the full duration of the qualification. Cross-crediting or recognition of prior learning will not meet the relevant requirement for this new pathway.
This means international students will need to carefully compare their qualification and visa options before deciding whether they should apply for the Post-Study Work Visa or the new short-term graduate route.
Key Takeaways for International Students
The New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa creates a new option for eligible graduates who may otherwise have limited opportunities to remain in New Zealand after completing their studies.
The most important points are:
- Applications open on November 16, 2026.
- The visa provides up to six months of open work rights.
- Applicants need an eligible NZQCF Level 5 to 7 qualification.
- The qualification must have been studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks.
- Applicants must not qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa based on that qualification.
- At least NZD $5,000 in funds is required.
- Applications must be submitted within three months of the student visa expiring.
- Only one Short-Term Graduate Work Visa can be granted.
- The visa cannot be extended or renewed.
- Business ownership is not allowed.
- Family sponsorship rights are limited.
For students approaching graduation, checking eligibility early will be essential because the application window is tied to the student visa expiry date.
FAQs : New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa
When does the New Zealand’s Short-Term Graduate Work Visa open?
Applications open on November 16, 2026.
How long is the new graduate work visa valid?
The visa allows eligible graduates to stay and work in New Zealand for up to six months.
Who can apply for the New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa?
Eligible graduates must generally hold an NZQCF Level 5 to 7 qualification studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks and must not be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa.
How much money is required?
Applicants must have at least NZD $5,000 available to support themselves.
Can the visa be extended?
No. An individual can only receive one Short-Term Graduate Work Visa, and it cannot be extended or renewed.
Can visa holders bring their partner and children?
They cannot support a partner for a work visa or children for a Dependent Child Student Visa based on this visa. Family members may apply independently if they meet the requirements.
Can graduates apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa later?
The visa may provide time to find suitable employment and explore a transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa, but applicants must meet all requirements for that separate visa.
Source : Official NZ Immigration
Read About : OMARA Disciplinary Actions 2026: 23 Migration Agents Face Cancellation, Suspension, Caution or Bar
One thought on “New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa Opens November 16, 2026: Eligibility, Conditions and Application Rules”