New Zealand will introduce a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa for international students who complete qualifying programmes but are not eligible for the regular Post-Study Work Visa.
The new visa will provide six months of open work rights. It is intended to give graduates time to look for employment and, where eligible, move to an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Applicants must generally have completed a Level 5, 6 or 7 qualification through at least 24 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand. English-language, foundation and bridging programmes will not qualify. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have at least NZ$5,000 available for their living expenses.
Applications must be submitted within three months of the student visa’s expiry. A person may receive this visa only once, and it cannot be extended. Visa holders must work under an employment agreement or contract for services and will not be permitted to operate their own businesses.
The visa does not automatically provide work rights for a spouse or domestic tuition status for dependent children. Family members may need to qualify for visas independently.
The programme may help some Indian graduates remain in New Zealand temporarily while searching for eligible employment. It is an announced future pathway and will become available on November 16, 2026.
