New Zealand is introducing new graduate work visa settings from 16 November 2026, creating additional pathways for international students to remain and work after completing eligible study. The changes include a new Short term Graduate Work visa and expanded eligibility for the Post Study Work visa for certain graduate diploma holders.
Immigration New Zealand has stated that the updated settings are designed to better align graduate employment pathways with New Zealand’s skills needs while supporting the international education sector. As a result, employers may see greater access to graduates who are already familiar with the New Zealand labour market and workplace environment.
What is changing
From 16 November 2026, eligible graduates who do not qualify for a Post Study Work visa may apply for a new 6 month Short term Graduate Work visa.
At the same time, eligibility for the Post Study Work visa will expand to include graduates who:
- Hold a graduate diploma at NZQCF Level 7
- Completed the qualification full-time in New Zealand
- Were enrolled for the entire qualification duration
- Hold a bachelor’s degree completed either in New Zealand or overseas
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These changes create additional work options for graduates whose qualifications may not previously have provided a clear post-study pathway.
Short term Graduate Work visa
The new Short term Graduate Work visa will provide 6 months of open work rights. This will enable eligible graduates to seek employment and potentially transition to an Accredited Employer Work visa.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold an NZQCF Level 5 to 7 qualification
- Have studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks
- Hold a qualification that does not qualify for a Post Study Work visa under existing policies
- Have at least NZD $5,000 available for maintenance
- Meet relevant health requirements
- Apply within 3 months of their student visa expiring
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English language, foundation and bridging qualifications are excluded from eligibility.
In addition, applicants must not have previously held either a Post Study Work visa or a Short term Graduate Work visa.
Work restrictions and family sponsorship
The Short term Graduate Work visa will allow open work rights. However, work must be completed under an employment agreement or contract for services. Business ownership is not permitted.
Unlike the Post Study Work visa, Short term Graduate Work visa holders cannot support partners for work visas or dependent children for Dependent Child Student visas.
Furthermore, holders cannot extend the visa or apply for a second Short term Graduate Work visa.
Post Study Work visa expansion
Immigration New Zealand will also extend Post Study Work Visa eligibility to graduate diploma holders who already hold a bachelor’s degree.
Importantly, the bachelor’s degree may have been completed overseas and there is no limit on when it was awarded. In addition, applicants will not require an International Qualification Assessment for overseas bachelor’s degrees, although Immigration New Zealand may still verify qualification authenticity.
Applicants must provide:
- Their graduate diploma evidence
- A bachelor’s degree certificate
- An official academic transcript
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The graduate diploma must have been studied entirely in New Zealand on a full-time basis. Cross crediting, recognition of prior learning or similar arrangements do not count towards eligibility.
The Post Study Work visa may be granted for the period spent studying the graduate diploma in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 1 year.
Graduate diploma pathways
Graduate diploma holders without a bachelor’s degree may still qualify for a Post Study Work visa if their qualification appears in Appendix 13 of the Immigration Operational Manual. In these cases, work conditions may restrict employment to the specified occupation linked to the qualification.
However, graduates whose qualification is not listed in Appendix 13 and who do not hold a bachelor’s degree will not qualify for a Post Study Work visa. Instead, they may consider the new Short term Graduate Work visa.
What employers should consider
These changes may provide employers with access to a broader pool of graduates seeking work opportunities in New Zealand.
Key considerations for employers include:
- Workforce planning: Employers may have greater access to graduates transitioning into longer term employment pathways.
- Recruitment timing: Graduates must apply within 3 months of their student visa expiring.
- Visa pathway strategy: Employers considering long term retention may need to assess whether graduates can later transition to an Accredited Employer Work visa.
- Qualification reviews: Graduate diploma holders may now qualify for open work rights where they also hold an eligible bachelor’s degree.
- Compliance obligations: Employers should continue to confirm work rights and visa conditions before employment commences.
How Absolute Immigration NZ can support you
Graduate work visa settings can affect recruitment planning, workforce retention and longer term sponsorship strategies.
Absolute Immigration NZ supports employers with visa eligibility assessments, workforce planning advice and employment pathway strategies for international graduates working in New Zealand.
Get in touch
For advice on graduate work visa pathways and New Zealand workforce planning, contact aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com.
