New Zealand is adding a remarkable option for international students upon completion of their studies.
From November 16, 2026, Immigration New Zealand will open your application Short-Term Graduate Work Visa – Visa allows qualified international students stay in New Zealand and work for up to 6 months after completion of the program.
This is considered a stepping stone for students not eligible for Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)help them find a job and consider longer-term employment visa options, including Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) if relevant conditions are met.
🎓 Can AI qualify?
According to regulations published by Immigration New Zealand, applicants should meet the main conditions:
- Completing a qualification under NZQCF Level 5–7.
- Learned full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks.
- Non-Group Study Programs English Language, Foundation or Bridging.
- Qualification is not the type that qualifies applicants to apply Post-Study Work Visa.
- Have at least NZD 5.000 to cover living expenses.
- Meet health, personal and entry purpose requirements.
- Have never been issued a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa or Post-Study Work Visa before.
It is important to note that the 24 week period must be full-time study time in New Zealand. Some periods such as the main holiday or re-study time for unsatisfactory subjects will not be counted in the usual way into the required study time.
💼 Work for up to 6 months
Short-Term Graduate Work Visa Allows Holders Work in New Zealand for up to 6 months with open work rights.
During this time, students can look for jobs that match their qualifications and experience. If they find a job opportunity that meets the requirements of a longer-term work visa, workers can consider switching to the appropriate option, such as: AEWV.
However, this visa do not allow the owner to operate or own the business. The work must be performed under an employment contract or service contract in accordance with visa conditions.
time and regulation of submission
Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will start receiving applications from:
16/11/2026
Applicants must submit their profiles within 3 months from the date the Student Visa for the program used to apply for this visa expires.
Visa is issued only one time, have a maximum term of 6 months and cannot extend or apply for a second time.
Therefore, the time of completion of the course and the Student Visa deadline are factors that should be carefully monitored when planning after graduation.
👨 👩 Can I take my family with me?
Short-Term Graduate Work Visa does not allow the owner to include partner or dependent children on this visa.
However, partners or children may consider other types of visas if they themselves meet the corresponding conditions.
🎓 Another change: expanded post-study work visa
Same effect from 16/11/2026, New Zealand also expanded the conditions of Post-Study Work Visa.
Under the new regulation, some people complete Graduate Diploma NZQCF Level 7 can qualify for PSWV if simultaneously owning a Bachelor's degree, issued in New Zealand or overseas.
Applicants must study the Graduate Diploma full-time in New Zealand for the entire duration of the program.
This is a notable change because in the past this Graduate Diploma Level 7 group may not have been eligible for PSWV in some cases.
As such, from November 2026, international students will have additional options upon completion of the program, depending on the degree, qualification, duration of study and personal conditions.
🇳🇿 Opportunity but also need to plan properly
Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is not an automated pathway to long-term work visa or immigration.
The biggest value of this visa is to create more 6 months for qualified people to find jobs and build their next steps in New Zealand.
So, if you are choosing a study program in New Zealand, students should consider at the beginning:
✔ Level and type qualification
✔ Course duration
✔ PSWV conditions after graduation
✔ Ability to find a job in the field studied
✔ Next work visa options
✔ Financial plan in the post-graduation period
Choosing the right course from the start can directly affect visa choices upon completion of the program.
📌 Greatlink – accompanying the study roadmap to New Zealand
The new changes from November 2026 open up more options for international students, but conditions apply depending on the program and the specific application.
Greatlink consulting support:
🎓 Selection of schools and programs in New Zealand
📚 Check your qualification and graduate pathway
💼 Find out the work options after completing the course
Preparing study and visa documents
🇳🇿 Develop a study – employment pathway that matches your personal goals
If you're considering Study in New Zealand 2026–2027Prepare your plans early to take advantage of the new policy changes after graduation.
GREATLINK – Accompany you on the journey to study in New Zealand.
🌸 Hotline☎️: 0936.77.33.86
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