The New Zealand government has announced a major overhaul of its post-study immigration system, introducing a new six-month open work visa for international graduates alongside expanded eligibility for longer-term work pathways.
The new Short-term Graduate Work Visa will open for applications on November 16, 2026, and is designed to give international graduates a temporary employment bridge to gain local work experience and transition into skilled employment opportunities.
Immigration authorities say the policy is aimed at strengthening the country’s international education sector while addressing labour market needs through a more flexible graduate-to-work transition system.
Under the new framework, eligible graduates will be granted six months of open work rights, allowing them to work for any employer while seeking longer-term employment.
Immigration New Zealand said the visa is intended to help graduates move into roles aligned with national skill shortages and transition into employer-assisted visas such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Officials said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to maintain New Zealand’s competitiveness as a global study destination amid tightening post-study rules in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Authorities have outlined strict conditions for applicants to prevent misuse of the scheme and ensure financial stability during the job-seeking period.
Applicants must have completed an eligible qualification at New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQCF) Levels 5 to 7, with at least 24 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand. Short courses such as English language or bridging programmes are excluded.
Students must also show proof of at least NZD $5,000 in available funds to support themselves during the visa period.
Applications must be submitted within three months of the expiry of the applicant’s student visa.
The visa will be granted only once per applicant, cannot be extended, and does not allow holders to start or operate a business. It also prohibits visa holders from sponsoring family members.
Alongside the new short-term visa, New Zealand is also expanding access to its Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) scheme.
Under updated rules, graduates who complete an NZQCF Level 7 Graduate Diploma may now qualify for a PSWV if they already hold a bachelor’s degree from either New Zealand or an accredited international institution.
The length of the work visa will depend on the duration of study, capped at one year for the graduate diploma pathway.
Unlike the short-term visa, PSWV holders retain eligibility to support family visa applications, subject to standard health and character requirements.
Officials say the reforms are part of a wider economic strategy to double the value of international education to the economy by 2034.
Siân Roguski, General Manager for Employment, Skills and Immigration Policy at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, said the changes are designed to help graduates either transition into skilled employment or leave with improved qualifications and experience.
The government says the updated system is intended to better align immigration pathways with domestic labour shortages while maintaining New Zealand’s attractiveness to international students.