From Monday 16 November 2026, the New Zealand graduate work visa options change: a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa opens and the government widens eligibility for its Post Study Work Visa, with applications for both made through Enhanced Immigration Online. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced both changes. The new visa gives six months of open work rights, and the wider Post Study Work Visa now reaches more graduates holding diplomas, postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees.
Contents
- The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa
- Wider Post Study Work Visa eligibility
- Filing windows and cut-offs
- A worked example
- What to do before 16 November
- New Zealand graduate visa questions
The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa
INZ says the new visa gives graduates six months of open work rights to look for work and, where suitable, move to an Accredited Employer Work Visa. Eligible graduates hold a New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) Level 5 to 7 qualification, studied full-time for at least 24 weeks in New Zealand, that is not an English language, foundation or bridging course and does not already qualify them for a Post Study Work Visa. They need at least NZ$5,000 available to support themselves, a medical certificate and chest X-ray where required, and must never have held a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa or Post Study Work Visa.
The visa allows work under an employment agreement or contract for services but not business ownership. It cannot be extended or granted a second time. Holders cannot support a partner’s work visa or a dependent child student visa, although partners and children may apply in their own right.
Wider Post Study Work Visa eligibility
For the longer visa, INZ lists these groups as benefiting from 16 November: graduate diploma (Level 7) holders who also hold a bachelor’s degree, postgraduate diploma (Level 8) graduates who may receive a one-year visa, and master’s (Level 9) graduates who may receive a three-year visa. Postgraduate diploma and master’s applicants need at least 30 weeks of full-time study in the qualification the visa is based on. Transferred credits, cross-credits and recognition of prior learning do not count toward the master’s for this purpose.
Only one Post Study Work Visa can be held per person. Holders can support partners and dependent children on visitor, work or dependent child student visas, if the requirements are met.
Filing windows and cut-offs
The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa must be applied for within three months of the student visa expiring. INZ’s own example is that a student visa which expired before 16 August 2026 would not qualify when applications open. Law firm Clark Hill’s September APAC recap adds that paper Post Study Work Visa applications end, with those filed by 15 November 2026 still processed. Treat that detail as the law firm’s reading and confirm it on the INZ site.
A worked example
Consider a hypothetical graduate. Maricel is a Filipino graduate finishing a Level 7 qualification that does not lead to a Post Study Work Visa. Under the new rules she could apply for the six-month visa within three months of her student visa ending, use that time to find an employer, and then explore an Accredited Employer Work Visa. She would need her funds evidence and medical documents ready before she applies. A neighbouring example: our report on Australia’s student visa changes shows how quickly neighbouring countries are reshaping post-study options.
What to do before 16 November
Check your qualification level and study length against the INZ lists, note when your student visa expires, and gather proof of funds and health documents. Create your Enhanced Immigration Online login in advance. If you are comparing study destinations, the visa eligibility checker can help you weigh post-study options before you pay tuition deposits.
New Zealand graduate visa questions
These answers rely on the INZ announcements cited above.
When does the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa open?
Applications open on Monday 16 November 2026 through Enhanced Immigration Online, according to Immigration New Zealand.
How long does the visa last?
Six months with open work rights, per INZ.
Can I get it twice or extend it?
No. INZ says holders cannot apply for a second visa or extend the first.
Who gets the three-year Post Study Work Visa?
Master’s (Level 9) graduates who meet the 30-week full-time study requirement in the master’s itself.
How much money do I need?
INZ says at least NZ$5,000 available to support yourself for the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.
Can I run a business on this visa?
No. INZ says work must be for an employer under an agreement or contract for services, and business ownership is not allowed.
Sources
- Immigration New Zealand — Short-Term Graduate Work Visa launching 16 November 2026. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/new-short-term-graduate-work-visa-launching-on-16-november-2026/
- Immigration New Zealand — Post Study Work Visa eligibility extended from 16 November 2026. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/post-study-work-visa-eligibility-extended-from-16-november-2026/
- Clark Hill — September 2026 APAC immigration recap. https://www.clarkhill.com/news-events/news/september-2026-outbound-immigration-and-global-mobility-recap-apac/