New Short-Term Graduate Work Visa launching on 16 November 2026

We are introducing a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa to better align graduate pathways with New Zealand’s skills needs.

Eligible international graduates who have completed study or are currently studying in New Zealand will be able to apply for the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa from Monday 16 November 2026.

This visa provides 6 months of open work rights, allowing time to look for work and, where appropriate, transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa.

Applications must be submitted within 3 months of their New Zealand student visa expiring.

Eligibility and conditions

To be eligible, applicants must:

• hold a qualification at NZQCF Level 5 to 7 that:
  • was studied full‑time for at least 24 weeks in New Zealand
  • is not an English language, foundation, or bridging qualification
  • does not make them eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa
• have at least NZD $5,000 available to support themselves
• have a valid medical certificate and chest X-ray, dependent on their intended length of stay in New Zealand
• not have previously been granted a Short‑Term Graduate Work Visa or Post-Study Work Visa
• have written approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Education New Zealand, if their study was supported under the New Zealand Scholarship Programme.

Who needs an X-ray or medical examination

Any work undertaken on a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa must be for an employer under an employment agreement or contract for services. Business ownership is not allowed.

Short-Term Graduate Work Visa holders cannot support a partner for a work visa or children for a Dependent Child Student Visa. However, they can check if they are able to support them for a visitor visa instead. Dependent children can also apply for a student visa as international students, and partners can apply for work visas on their own merit.

An individual can only be granted 1 Short-Term Graduate Work Visa

Short-Term Graduate Work Visa holders cannot apply for a second Short-Term Graduate Work Visa or extend their first.

Someone who holds, or has held, a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa can apply for another student visa if their proposed study is:

• a bachelor’s degree or a programme of study at a higher NZQCF level than the level of the qualification that their Short-Term Graduate Work Visa was based on, and
• a qualification that makes them eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa.

Student visa holders who previously held a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa cannot change their programme of study or education provider unless they continue to meet the above requirements.

Apply online

From 16 November 2026, international students can apply for the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa through Enhanced Immigration Online (ADEPT).

Use the ‘Login’ button on the top right of our website. 

Enhanced Immigration Online

International Students must apply within 3 months of their student visa expiring. For example, if a student visa expires before 16 August 2026, the visa holder will not be eligible to apply for a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa when applications open on 16 November 2026.

More information

You can read more about the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa here:

Short-Term Graduate Work Visa