New Graduate Work Visa and Post-Study Work Visa Changes Announced

New Zealand has announced upcoming changes to its graduate work visa settings, including the introduction of a Short Term Graduate Work Visa and an expansion of Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) eligibility. These changes are expected to take effect from late 2026 and are designed to better align international graduates with the country’s workforce needs.

As an immigration advisory firm, Immigration Trust is sharing this information for public awareness following the recent announcement.

New Short Term Graduate Work Visa
A new Short Term Graduate Work Visa will allow eligible international graduates who studied in New Zealand to remain in the country for up to 6 months with open work rights.

The purpose of this visa is to give graduates time to look for employment and potentially transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
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Key eligibility requirements
Applicants must:

• Qualify for NZQCF Level 5–7
• Have studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks
• Apply within 3 months after their student visa expires
• Show at least NZD $5,000 in available funds
• Not have previously been granted a Short Term Graduate Work Visa or Post Study Work Visa

The qualification must not be an English language, foundation, or bridging programme, and it must also not already make the graduate eligible for a Post Study Work Visa.

Important conditions
Short Term Graduate Work Visa holders:

• Must work under an employment agreement or contract
• Cannot operate their own business
• Cannot support partners or children for work or student visas under this visa category
• Cannot extend the visa or apply for a second one

Post Study Work Visa Eligibility Expanded
From late 2026, eligibility for a Post Study Work Visa will expand to include graduates who complete a Graduate Diploma at NZQCF Level 7, provided they also hold a bachelor’s degree.

The bachelor’s degree may be obtained in New Zealand or overseas, and there is no time limit on when the degree was awarded.

Additional requirements
Applicants must:

• Have studied the Graduate Diploma full-time in New Zealand
• Have been enrolled for the full duration of the programme
• Provide their bachelor’s degree certificate and academic transcript

For overseas bachelor’s degrees, an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) is not required, although immigration authorities may still verify the authenticity of the qualification.

Visa duration
The Post Study Work Visa can be granted for the same length of time spent studying the Graduate Diploma in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 1 year.

Only one Post Study Work Visa can be granted during a person’s lifetime.

Unlike the Short Term Graduate Work Visa, PSWV holders may support partners and dependent children for appropriate visas if eligibility requirements are met.

Why These Changes Matter
These upcoming changes aim to:

• Provide more flexibility for international graduates
• Help graduates transition from study to employment
• Ensure that graduate pathways are better aligned with New Zealand’s workforce needs

They also support the growth of the international education sector, while maintaining education quality and the country’s reputation as a destination for study and work.

Need Advice on Graduate Work Visa Options?
Graduate visa pathways can be complex, especially when transitioning from study to work in New Zealand. If you need guidance on your options, consider booking a consultation with our licensed immigration adviser.

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