New Zealand: New Work Visa Options for Graduates Announced

Immigration New Zealand has announced the introduction of a new Short Term Graduate Work Visa and changes to the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV), expected to take effect from late 2026.  

• • Short-Term Graduate Work Visa. The new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will provide eligible international graduates who have completed their studies in New Zealand with up to six months of open work rights. This pathway is intended to allow graduates time to secure employment and, where appropriate, transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa. To qualify, applicants must:  

• • • • hold a qualification at New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) level 5 to 7 that was studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks and does not make them eligible for a PSWV;  
      • demonstrate access to at least NZD 5,000 in maintenance funds; 
      • not have previously been granted a Short Term Graduate Work Visa or PSWV;
      • provide written approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Education New Zealand, where their studies were supported under the New Zealand Scholarship Programme; and  
      • submit medical and chest X-ray requirements (if required, depending on the intended length of stay).  

English language, foundation and bridging qualifications are excluded from eligibility.  

Once approved, holders must work under an employment agreement or contract for services and are not permitted to engage in business ownership. They are not eligible to support partners for work visas or children for Dependent Child Student Visas, although family members may apply for visitor visas or other visas in their own right. Individuals who have held this visa will not be granted a subsequent student visa unless they enroll in a bachelor’s degree or higher-level qualification that makes them eligible for a PSWV. Applications must be submitted within three months of the expiry of the applicant’s New Zealand student visa. The visa is a one-time grant and cannot be extended or issued more than once. 

• • Post Study Work Visa. In parallel, eligibility for the Post Study Work Visa will be expanded in late 2026 to include graduates who have completed a Graduate Diploma at NZQCF level 7. To qualify, applicants must:  
    • • have studied full-time in New Zealand for the full duration of the Graduate Diploma;  
      • have been enrolled for the entire program, with cross-crediting and recognition of prior learning excluded;  
      • hold a bachelor’s degree, obtained either in New Zealand or overseas, with no restriction on when it was awarded; and 
      • provide evidence of their Graduate Diploma, a copy of their bachelor’s degree certificate showing the qualification type and awarding institution, and an official academic transcript.  

An International Qualification Assessment will not be required for overseas bachelor’s degrees, although Immigration New Zealand may verify qualification authenticity for immigration purposes.  

The PSWV granted under this pathway may be issued for the length of time the individual studied the Graduate Diploma in New Zealand, up to a maximum of one year. Individuals may only be granted one Post Study Work Visa. Those who have previously held a PSWV will not be eligible for another, even if they complete further study at the same or a higher level. PSWV holders may support partners and dependent children for visitor, work or dependent child student visas, provided standard immigration requirements are met. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.