New work visa options for graduates announced
The Government has announced new work visa options for graduating student visa holders as part of the International Education Going for Growth Plan.In late 2026:
A new 6-month Short-term Graduate Work Visa will be introduced for eligible NZQCF Level 5-7 graduates who do not qualify for a Post Study Work Visa. Graduates must have studied full-time for at least 24 weeks in New Zealand. English language, foundation, and bridging qualifications are not included.
Post Study Work Visa eligibility will be extended to New Zealand graduate diploma holders who also hold a bachelor’s degree (including bachelor’s degrees outside New Zealand). The work visa may be granted for the duration the student spent studying their graduate diploma in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 1 year.These changes aim to attract and retain international graduates with valuable skills, while maintaining education quality and protecting New Zealand’s international reputation as a great place to live and work.
After completing formal study in New Zealand, you may be able to remain in the country for an initial period of up to three years on a Post Study Work Visa.
Who can apply for a Post Study Work Visa?
In order to qualify for a Post Study Work Visa, you must:
- have completed an ‘eligible qualification’, usually either:
- a Bachelor’s degree or higher;
- a Graduate Certificate;
- a Graduate Diploma;
- a Diploma rated Level 7 under the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF);
- a specific technical diploma or certificate that is rated lower than Level 7 but has been listed as eligible for a Post Study Work Visa by New Zealand Immigration
- have been studying fulltime in New Zealand for a minimum of 3o weeks
- apply within three months of your student visa expiring (six months if you were doing a doctoral degree)
- demonstrate that you have at least NZD $5000 available to support yourself in New Zealand
- meet the standard health and good character requirements for New Zealand visas
What does a Post Study Work Visa offer?
If your application for a Post Study Work Visa is successful, you can expect to be able to:
- be permitted to live in New Zealand for one, two or three years, depending on what and how long you studied
- be permitted to work in New Zealand, providing that:
- you do not work, operate or invest in a business that provides adult services
- if you are applying on the basis of a non-degree Level 7 qualification or below, your work relates to the qualification you obtained in New Zealand
- be permitted to undertake further study in New Zealand for a maximum of three months per year (or longer, if required by your employer)
- travel freely to and from New Zealand providing you are granted ‘multiple entry travel conditions’
- NB: check your travel conditions carefully before leaving New Zealand. Your visa may expire if you leave the country without the appropriate travel conditions, regardless of the expiry date of the visa.
Your partner and any dependent children will be eligible to apply for visas of their own on the basis of your securing this visa.
How do I apply for a Post Study Work Visa?
Applications for a Post Study Work Visa can be submitted online or on paper, and from inside or outside New Zealand.
The fee for applying for this visa will vary depending on your nationality and where you are applying from, and ranges from zero for citizens of certain countries to around NZD $1670.
80% of applications for this visa are processed within two weeks.
