New Zealand has introduced a six-month open work visa for eligible graduates who do not qualify for the standard Post Study Work Visa. Learn about eligibility, requirements, family limitations and the November 2026 opening date.
New Zealand has introduced a six-month open work visa for eligible graduates who do not qualify for the standard Post Study Work Visa. Learn about eligibility, requirements, family limitations and the November 2026 opening date.
New Zealand has introduced a new six-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa for eligible international students who complete a qualifying Level 5–7 New Zealand qualification that does not qualify for the standard Post Study Work Visa.
The new visa provides a limited period of open work rights after study. However, it is not equivalent to the standard Post Study Work Visa and comes with important family and duration limitations.
Applications for the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa open on 16 November 2026.
Students planning to complete their eligible qualification should understand the requirements and prepare their documents before applying.
This visa option is intended for students who complete an eligible Level 5–7 qualification in New Zealand that does not qualify for the standard Post Study Work Visa.
Applicants must meet the applicable Immigration New Zealand requirements, including the relevant study and visa conditions.
Applicants must generally have studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks to qualify for this short-term graduate work option.
The exact eligibility of a qualification should be checked against the official Immigration New Zealand requirements.
Eligible applicants must generally apply within three months after their New Zealand student visa expires.
Students should plan their application timeline carefully so they do not miss the applicable submission window.
Applicants must show NZD 5,000 in available funds as part of the requirements for this short-term graduate work visa.
Applicants should prepare the required financial evidence before submitting their application.
The six-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa cannot be used to support a partner’s work visa or a child’s domestic-student visa.
This means students planning to travel with family must carefully consider the visa’s family rights before choosing this pathway.
The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa cannot be extended and is available only once.
Applicants should not treat this visa as an automatic route to a longer post-study work period.
The six-month work period may provide eligible graduates with time to find suitable employment and potentially move to an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
However, this is not guaranteed. Graduates must meet the applicable employment and immigration requirements for any future visa application.
The new six-month visa is designed for certain Level 5–7 graduates who do not qualify for the standard Post Study Work Visa.
The two pathways have different eligibility conditions, durations and rights. Students should compare their course and qualification against both options before making a decision.
This update is particularly relevant for current students whose New Zealand student visas expire on or after 16 August 2026.
Students completing Level 5–7 qualifications should check whether they qualify for the standard Post Study Work Visa or the new six-month graduate work option.
TVC can review your New Zealand course name, qualification level, offer letter and student visa details for an initial assessment.
We can help compare the standard Post Study Work Visa and the new six-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa based on your study pathway and future plans.
Level 5–7 New Zealand course consider kar rahe hain? Course name aur offer share karein—pehle standard PSWV aur new six-month visa eligibility compare karenge.
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