New Zealand announces new work visa route for international students
New Zealand will launch a six‑month Short‑Term Graduate Work Visa for eligible international graduates from 16 November 2026, and will broaden eligibility for its existing Post‑Study Work Visa. The measures, announced by Immigration New Zealand on 10 September, aim to give recent graduates a short‑term pathway to work while they seek longer‑term employment options.
- ✓New Zealand will launch a six‑month Short‑Term Graduate Work Visa for eligible international graduates from 16 November 2026, and will broaden eligibility for its existing Post‑Study Work Visa.
- ✓The measures, announced by Immigration New Zealand on 10 September, aim to give recent graduates a short‑term pathway to work while they seek longer‑term employment options.
- ✓Civic Domain: Categorized under world public notices.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced on 10 September that, starting 16 November 2026, a new Short‑Term Graduate Work Visa will allow eligible international graduates to work openly in New Zealand for up to six months. The visa is intended for graduates who do not qualify for the current Post‑Study Work Visa and provides a bridge to longer‑term work permits such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
To qualify, applicants must have completed a New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) Level 5, 6 or 7 qualification studied full‑time for at least 24 weeks, and the qualification must not already make them eligible for a Post‑Study Work Visa. English‑language, foundation and bridging courses are excluded. Candidates must hold at least NZD 5,000 in available funds, satisfy health and character checks, and submit their application within three months of their student visa’s expiry. In parallel, the existing Post‑Study Work Visa will be extended to include graduates of a Level 7 Graduate Diploma who also hold a bachelor’s degree, allowing a visa of up to one year, with applications processed through the upgraded ADEPT online system.
The new visa route is designed to give recent international students a short‑term work window to gain New Zealand experience and explore longer‑term employment opportunities, addressing both student aspirations and employer needs. By differentiating the six‑month visa from the longer Post‑Study Work Visa, the policy seeks to broaden pathways for skilled migrants while maintaining clear eligibility standards for New Zealand’s immigration framework.
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| Issuing Authority | Indian Express Education |
|---|---|
| Topic Category | WORLD |
| Jurisdiction | All India / National |
| Publication Date | 15 September 2026 |