Immigration New Zealand has unveiled plans to launch a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa and broaden eligibility for the Post Study Work Visa, with the goal of better matching graduate pathways to the nation’s workforce demands.

Announced on Thursday, the changes aim to support international education and help graduates move into roles that meet New Zealand’s skill needs. Officials stated that the measures are intended to attract and retain skilled international graduates while upholding the country’s education standards.

Under the plan, a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will be introduced from late 2026. This visa will provide eligible international graduates with up to six months of open work rights, giving them time to find employment and potentially transition to an employer-sponsored work visa.

To be eligible, applicants must have completed a qualification at levels 5 to 7 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework. The qualification must have been studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks and cannot be an English language, foundation, or bridging course.

Applicants must also demonstrate they have at least NZ$5,000 to support themselves and submit their application within three months of their student visa expiring.

Officials stated that the visa will permit graduates to work for an employer under an employment agreement or service contract. However, holders of the visa will not be allowed to operate their own business or sponsor partners and children for work or student visas.

Furthermore, the government will also expand eligibility for the current Post Study Work Visa. Starting in late 2026, graduates who complete a Graduate Diploma at NZQCF level 7 in New Zealand will be eligible to apply, as long as they also hold a bachelor’s degree earned either in New Zealand or abroad.

Applicants must have completed the full diploma programme in New Zealand and submit their bachelor’s degree certificate along with an official academic transcript as part of the application. Officials noted that an international qualification assessment will not be required for overseas bachelor’s degrees, although immigration authorities may verify the authenticity of the qualification.

The Post Study Work Visa granted under this pathway will correspond to the duration of the diploma studied in New Zealand, with a maximum validity of one year.

One-time visa rule stays in place

Furthermore, officials confirmed that each individual can be granted only one Post Study Work Visa during their time in New Zealand, even if they later complete another qualification at the same or a higher level.

Unlike the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa, holders of the Post Study Work Visa will be able to sponsor partners and dependent children for visitor, work, or student visas, provided they meet the immigration requirements.

Immigration authorities stated that the changes are intended to better connect international education with employment opportunities while supporting New Zealand in addressing skill shortages in key sectors.