Reviewed 22 October 2026. Immigration New Zealand has announced that the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa opens on 16 November 2026. Eligible graduates can receive six months of open work rights. On this article's research date, the announced opening is still in the future.
The new route is aimed at eligible qualifications that do not qualify for the Post-Study Work Visa. The official announcement sets qualification, study, funding and other conditions. Applicants should review those conditions directly rather than assuming that every international graduate can use the route.
Prepare a clear record of your qualification, study dates and student visa expiry. The application window matters, so seek advice early if your status or timing is unclear. Keep essential academic and financial evidence accessible and check the application instructions when the route opens.
Update your CV, organise project evidence and investigate suitable employers. A work permission period does not guarantee a job. Budget for ordinary living costs during the search and avoid relying on immediate earnings to cover every expense.
Read our New Zealand 2027 guide for course and budget planning. The separate Level 7 graduate diploma update covers a different change announced for the same date. Applicants should not merge the two routes into one general promise of graduate work rights.
Official reference: Immigration New Zealand short-term visa announcement.