New Zealand introduces new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa

Immigration New Zealand has confirmed that its new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will open for applications on Monday, 16 November 2026.

The visa is designed for international graduates who are not eligible for the existing Post-Study Work Visa. It provides up to 6 months of open work rights, allowing holders to work in any job for any employer while they look for work and, where appropriate, move toward an Accredited Employer Work Visa.

To qualify, applicants must have completed a New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework Level 5 to 7 qualification, studied full-time for at least 24 weeks in New Zealand, and not eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa. Applicants must also hold at least NZD 5,000 in available funds, meet standard health and character requirements, and not have previously held a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa or Post-Study Work Visa.

Timing matters: applications must be submitted within 3 months of the applicant's student visa expiring. Immigration New Zealand has noted that anyone whose student visa expired before 16 August 2026 will not be eligible to apply when the visa launches, as the 3-month window will have already closed.

The visa cannot be extended and can only be granted once per person. Holders cannot include a partner or dependent children in the application, cannot support a partner for a work visa or a child for a Dependent Child Student Visa, and cannot own a business while on this visa. They can, however, support their partner and dependent children for visitor visas.

Applications will be submitted through Immigration New Zealand's Enhanced Immigration Online system (ADEPT) from 16 November 2026.

The detailed requirements have been outlined in our post under 'TLM Articles'.

This article is based on information procured from official sources and public portals. It is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Kindly consult the relevant public authority or an immigration advisor at the Legit Migrant for guidance specific to your circumstances.