New Zealand to Launch New Six‑Month Graduate Work Visa

New Zealand is preparing to introduce a new short-term graduate work visa later this year, alongside expanded eligibility for its existing post‑study work visa. The government says the changes are designed to “better align graduate pathways with New Zealand’s skills needs” and strengthen the country’s appeal as a study destination.

Immigration New Zealand confirmed that the upcoming adjustments aim to support the growth of international education while ensuring graduates can transition into roles that match national labour shortages.

A New Six‑Month Visa for Recent Graduates

From late 2026, international students who complete their studies in New Zealand will be able to apply for a new short-term graduate work visa.

This visa will grant up to six months of open work rights, giving graduates time to search for employment and, if suitable, move into an accredited employer work visa.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have at least NZD $5,000 in funds for living costs
• Not have previously held a post‑study work visa or short‑term graduate work visa
• Hold an NZQCF Level 5–7 qualification completed full‑time in New Zealand over at least 24 weeks
• Ensure the qualification is not an English language, foundation, or bridging program
• Ensure the qualification does not already make them eligible for a post‑study work visa
• Expanded Access to the Existing Post‑Study Work Visa

The government also announced that, from late 2026, eligibility for the current post‑study work visa will widen.

Graduates who complete a Level 7 Graduate Diploma in New Zealand will be able to apply for the existing visa pathway, provided they already hold a bachelor’s degree, whether earned domestically or overseas.

The visa will match the length of the graduate diploma program, up to a maximum of one year.

Both the new visa and the existing post‑study work visa will cost NZD $1,670, which includes a NZD $320 application fee and a NZD $1,350 immigration levy.

Government and Sector Response

Siân Roguski, general manager for employment, skills, and immigration policy at the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, said the changes will help graduates gain meaningful work experience and test their skills in New Zealand’s labour market.

According to Roguski, the new pathways give graduates the chance to either move into a skilled role, such as through an accredited employer work visa, or return home with enhanced experience and qualifications.

She added that the reforms support New Zealand’s ambition to double the economic contribution of international education by 2034.

Education New Zealand also welcomed the announcement. Acting chief executive Linda Sisson said the expanded post‑study options will strengthen the country’s international education offering and help ensure long‑term, sustainable sector growth.

Part of a Broader Growth Strategy

These visa changes follow the government’s International Education Going for Growth plan, released in 2025.

The strategy aims to increase international enrolments by 35,000 and nearly double the sector’s value to NZD $7.2 billion by 2034.

Recent policy updates have already increased permitted work hours for eligible students from 20 to 25 hours per week and extended in‑study work rights to all tertiary students on approved exchange or study‑abroad programs, including one‑semester courses.

New Zealand continues to see rising numbers of international students. Enrolments from January to August 2025 were up 14% compared with the same period in 2024, surpassing the previous year’s total.