Who Can Apply for New Zealand's Short-Term Graduate Work Visa From 16 November 2026?

Who Can Apply for New Zealand's Short-Term Graduate Work Visa From 16 November 2026?

New Zealand is introducing a new immigration option for eligible international graduates who want to remain in the country and gain work experience after completing their studies.

From 16 November 2026, eligible graduates will be able to apply for the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa. This visa provides up to six months of open work rights, allowing applicants to work for an employer while looking for suitable employment and exploring longer-term visa options.

The new pathway is particularly relevant to international students who have completed certain Level 5 to Level 7 qualifications in New Zealand but do not qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa.

The New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is not available to every international graduate. Applicants must meet specific qualification, study duration, visa history, financial and other immigration requirements.

This guide explains who can apply, which qualifications are accepted, what documents are required and how to submit an application.

1. What Is the New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa?

The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is a temporary work visa introduced by Immigration New Zealand for eligible international graduates.

It is designed to give graduates additional time to enter the New Zealand employment market after completing their studies.

Key Features

• Visa duration: Up to six months.

• Work rights: Open work rights for eligible employment.

• Employer restriction: Applicants can work for any employer.

• Application opening date: 16 November 2026.

• Financial requirement: At least NZD $5,000 in available funds.

• Application deadline: Within three months after the end date of the relevant student visa.

• Visa extension: The visa cannot be extended.

• Repeat application: Only one Short-Term Graduate Work Visa can be granted to an individual.

The visa allows graduates to work for an employer under an employment agreement or contract for services. However, visa holders cannot operate a business as an owner or undertake work that is not permitted under New Zealand law.

2. Who Can Apply for the New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa?

International students may qualify if they have successfully completed an eligible New Zealand qualification and meet all the visa requirements.

Applicants must generally satisfy the following conditions:

A. Completed an Eligible Level 5 to Level 7 Qualification

Applicants must have successfully completed a qualification at New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) Level 5, 6 or 7.

The qualification must have been studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks.

B. Studied Full-Time for at Least 24 Weeks

Applicants must have completed at least 24 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand includes exam preparation and examination periods when calculating the study duration.

However, certain periods do not count, including:

• Main holiday periods, such as mid-year and end-of-year holidays.

• Repeating papers, credits or units that were not passed the first time.

• Study completed through transferred credits or recognition of prior learning from another qualification.

C. Held a Valid Student Visa Within the Previous Three Months

Applicants must have held a valid New Zealand student visa within the three months before applying.

The application must be submitted no more than three months after the end date of the student visa for the qualification being used.

D. Have at Least NZD $5,000 Available

Applicants must demonstrate that they have at least NZD $5,000 available to support themselves during their stay.

A recent bank statement showing the applicant's name and account balance may be used as evidence.

Immigration New Zealand does not accept screenshots as proof of funds.

E. Meet Health and Character Requirements

Applicants must be in good health and have good character.

Depending on their circumstances and intended length of stay, they may be asked to provide:

• Medical examination results.

• Chest X-ray results.

• Police certificates.

Applicants must also have a genuine reason for coming to New Zealand.

F. Must Not Have Previously Received Certain Graduate Visas

Applicants are not eligible if they have previously been granted:

• A Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.

• A Post-Study Work Visa.

An individual can only be granted one Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.

3. Which Qualifications Are Accepted?

The visa is available to graduates who have completed eligible NZQCF Level 5 to Level 7 qualifications.

However, not every qualification at these levels is accepted.

Eligible Qualification Conditions

Your qualification must:

• Be at NZQCF Level 5, 6 or 7.

• Have been studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks.

• Have been successfully completed.

• Not be an English language qualification.

• Not be a foundation or bridging qualification.

• Not be a micro-credential.

• Not qualify you for a Post-Study Work Visa.

Which Qualifications Are Not Accepted?

The following types of qualifications are excluded from this visa:

• English language courses.

• Foundation programmes.

• Bridging qualifications.

• Micro-credentials.

• Qualifications that already make the applicant eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa.

Important: If your qualification makes you eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa, you cannot choose the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa instead under these rules.

4. Can Students Who Have Completed a Diploma Apply?

Potentially, yes. Applicants who have completed an eligible Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7 diploma may qualify if they meet the full-time study duration and other requirements.

For example:

• A student who completed an eligible Level 5 diploma after 24 weeks of full-time study may qualify.

• A student who completed an eligible Level 6 qualification after the required study period may qualify.

• A student who completed an eligible Level 7 qualification may qualify if it does not make them eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa.

The qualification level alone does not guarantee eligibility. Applicants must check whether their specific qualification meets Immigration New Zealand's conditions.

5. Can Graduates Who Qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa Apply?

No. The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is intended for eligible graduates who do not qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa.

If your qualification makes you eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa, you must consider that pathway instead.

New Zealand is also expanding Post-Study Work Visa eligibility from 16 November 2026 for certain Level 7 graduate diploma holders who:

• Have completed a Level 7 graduate diploma.

• Studied full-time in New Zealand for the full duration of the qualification.

• Remained enrolled for the full duration.

• Hold a bachelor's degree from New Zealand or overseas.

Eligible graduate diploma holders may receive a Post-Study Work Visa for the duration of their study, up to a maximum of one year.

This is a separate pathway from the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.

6. Can You Apply If Your Student Visa Has Already Expired?

You may still be eligible if you apply within the permitted three-month period after the end date of the student visa used for your qualification.

For example, if your relevant student visa ends on 30 November 2026, you must submit your application within the following three months.

However, you must also satisfy the other eligibility requirements.

Applicants should not assume that they can remain in New Zealand simply because they have submitted an application. They must hold a valid visa while in the country.

7. What Documents Are Required for the Application?

Applicants should prepare the required documents before applying.

Essential Documents

• Valid passport or certificate of identity.

• One acceptable passport-style photograph.

• New Zealand qualification certificate.

• Official academic transcript or a letter from the education provider confirming completion.

• Recent bank statement showing at least NZD $5,000.

• Police certificates, if required.

• Medical and chest X-ray evidence, if requested.

• Certified English translations of documents that are not in English, where required.

Qualification Evidence

Applicants can generally provide one of the following:

• A copy of the qualification certificate.

• An academic transcript.

• A letter from the tertiary education provider confirming that the qualification has been completed or that the applicant is eligible to graduate.

If the applicant's studies were supported through the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme, written approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Education New Zealand is required.

8. What Work Can You Do on This Visa?

The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa provides open work rights for up to six months.

Visa holders can:

• Work in any legal job.

• Work for any employer in New Zealand.

• Work under an employment agreement or contract for services.

• Explore longer-term employment opportunities.

• Consider transitioning to an Accredited Employer Work Visa if they secure an eligible job and meet the relevant requirements.

However, visa holders cannot:

• Operate a business as an owner.

• Provide commercial sexual services.

• Invest in a business that provides commercial sexual services.

• Work in an occupation requiring professional registration without obtaining the necessary registration.

The visa allows study for up to three months in any 12-month period. Additional study may be possible in certain circumstances, such as when required by an employer.

9. Can You Include Your Spouse and Children?

No. You cannot include your partner or dependent children in your Short-Term Graduate Work Visa application.

However, there are separate options for family members.

Partner

Your partner may be able to apply for a visitor visa or apply for a work visa independently if they meet the relevant requirements.

They cannot receive a partner work visa based solely on your Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.

Dependent Children

Your dependent children may be able to apply for visitor visas.

They may also apply for student visas as international students if they meet the applicable requirements. They cannot obtain a Dependent Child Student Visa based on your Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.

Applicants should check the separate visa requirements for their family members before making travel arrangements.

10. Can You Extend the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa?

No. The visa cannot be extended, and an individual cannot apply for a second Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.

If you want to remain in New Zealand after the visa expires, you must apply for and be granted another suitable visa before your current visa expires.

One possible option may be an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), provided you secure an eligible job offer from an accredited employer and meet the visa requirements.

Another student visa may be possible only in specific circumstances. The proposed study must 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 it must qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa.

Planning your next visa before the six-month period ends is important.

11. How to Apply for the New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa

Applications open on 16 November 2026 through Immigration New Zealand's Enhanced Immigration Online system.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Complete Your Qualification

Successfully complete an eligible NZQCF Level 5 to Level 7 qualification after the required period of full-time study in New Zealand.

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

Review your qualification level, study duration, student visa history, previous graduate visas and financial position.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Collect your passport, qualification evidence, academic transcript, bank statement and any required medical or police documents.

Step 4: Apply Online

Access Immigration New Zealand's official website and log in to Enhanced Immigration Online.

Step 5: Complete the Application

Enter your personal details, education history and other requested information accurately.

Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload the required evidence in the accepted format and provide translations where necessary.

Step 7: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the applicable visa fee and submit the application.

Step 8: Wait for a Decision

Immigration New Zealand may contact you if additional documents or information are required.

If approved, you will receive an eVisa by email.

12. Who Should Consider This Visa?

The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa may be relevant to:

International Diploma Graduates

Students who have completed eligible Level 5 or Level 6 diplomas and do not qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa may be able to use this pathway.

Level 7 Graduates

Certain Level 7 graduates who do not qualify for the expanded Post-Study Work Visa may be eligible, provided they meet the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa requirements.

Graduates Looking for Employment

Students who have completed an eligible qualification but have not yet secured a suitable long-term job may use the six-month period to search for employment.

International Students Planning Their Next Visa

Graduates who want to explore an employer-sponsored work visa may use this time to identify potential employers and check the requirements for transitioning to another visa.

Conclusion

The New Zealand Short-Term Graduate Work Visa introduces an additional option for eligible international graduates who want to remain in the country after completing their studies.

From 16 November 2026, eligible graduates with NZQCF Level 5 to Level 7 qualifications may apply for up to six months of open work rights, provided they meet the study duration, student visa, financial, health and character requirements.

However, the visa is not available to everyone. Graduates who qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa cannot apply under this alternative pathway, and applicants who have previously received a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa or Post-Study Work Visa are also excluded.

Before applying, check your qualification, study history, student visa expiry date and financial evidence carefully. Understanding these requirements can help you choose the correct New Zealand graduate visa pathway.

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