New Zealand Launches Short-Term Graduate Work Visa in November 2026

• New Zealand will introduce a new six-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa on Nov. 16, 2026, for qualifying international graduates.  

Short-Term Graduate Work Visa 

Immigration New Zealand is introducing a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa designed to help international graduates transition from study to employment, beginning Nov 16. 2026. 

The new pathway provides employers with access to a broader pool of recent international graduates seeking employment in New Zealand 

Key Features

The new visa will: 

• Provide six months of open work authorization 
• Allow graduates time to seek employment 
• Support transitions to an Accredited Employer Work Visa where eligible  

Eligibility Requirements 

Applicants must: 

• Hold an eligible Level 5-7 qualification completed in New Zealand 
• Have studied full-time for at least 24 weeks 
• Not qualified for a Post-Study Work Visa 
• Demonstrate at least NZD 5,000 in available funds 
• Apply within three months of their student visa expiration  

Important Restrictions 

• Individuals may only receive one Short-Term Graduate Work Visa. 
• Visa holders cannot sponsor dependent work or student visas through this route. 
• Business ownership is not permitted under the visa conditions. 

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