New Zealand Launches 6-Month Graduate Work Visa in 2026

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced the launch of a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa, effective November 16, 2026. This visa will grant eligible international graduates up to six months of open work rights while they search for employment and consider longer-term visa options.

To qualify, applicants must have completed a New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) Level 5, 6, or 7 qualification, studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks, and possess at least NZD 5,000 in available funds. The visa cannot be extended or renewed and can only be granted once.

Additionally, INZ will expand the eligibility for the existing Post-Study Work Visa from the same date, allowing graduates with an eligible NZQCF Level 7 Graduate Diploma and a bachelor's degree to qualify. The Graduate Diploma must have been studied full-time, and cross-crediting will not count towards eligibility.

Applications for the Post-Study Work Visa will be submitted through New Zealand's updated Immigration Online system, known as ADEPT.