Applications for the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa are opening on Monday 16 November 2026. This visa is designed to give more international graduates a pathway into New Zealand's workforce, giving them time to secure a job offer and transition onto a longer-term work visa. It's designed for graduates of lower-level qualifications who don't qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa. 

What it offers

The visa grants 6 months of ‘open’ work rights, giving graduates time to find a job and potentially transition onto an Accredited Employer Work Visa. Holders of this visa can work for any employer, in any role, under an employment agreement or contract for services but cannot own or run their own business. If a job offer hasn’t come through by the end of the 6 months, reach out to our Immigration Team so we can explore what other visa options might be available to you.

Who is eligible

To qualify, applicants generally need to:

• Hold a Level 5–7 qualification (NZQCF), studied full-time for at least 24 weeks in New Zealand, that isn't an English language, foundation, or bridging course, and doesn't already qualify them for a Post-Study Work Visa
• Have at least NZD $5,000 in available funds
• Meet standard medical and chest X-ray requirements
• Not have previously held a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa or a Post-Study Work Visa
• If their study was funded under the NZ Scholarship Programme, they must have written approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Education New Zealand

Key restrictions

This is a one-time, non-renewable visa; it cannot be extended or granted twice. Applications must be lodged within 3 months of the applicant's student visa expiring. There are restrictions on supporting partners and dependent children for work and student visas; however, they may be able to support visitor visa applications, or those family members may be eligible to apply for other visas in their own right. 

If you'd like to know whether you qualify for the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa, or would like assistance submitting an application, get in touch with our Immigration Team for tailored advice.