·New Zealand·Significant change·Scheduled
New Zealand announces a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa and expanded post-study eligibility
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Immigration New Zealand announced a new six-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa and expanded Post-Study Work Visa eligibility for qualifying Level 7 graduate diplomas, with applications for the new visa planned from 16 November 2026.
Effective from .
What changed
Policy claim 1
The new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is scheduled to accept applications from 16 November 2026.
Claim ID: nz-2026-05-post-study-work-options#claim-1·Cite this claim
Source: Immigration New Zealand — New and updated post-study work visa options (Immigration New Zealand (INZ))·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 2
Post-Study Work Visa eligibility will extend to qualifying NZQCF Level 7 graduate diplomas where the graduate also holds a bachelor’s degree completed in New Zealand or overseas.
Claim ID: nz-2026-05-post-study-work-options#claim-2·Cite this claim
Source: Immigration New Zealand — New and updated post-study work visa options (Immigration New Zealand (INZ))·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 3
A graduate-diploma holder without a bachelor’s degree may still qualify where the qualification is listed in Appendix 13 of the Immigration Operational Manual; otherwise the announced alternative is the six-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.
Claim ID: nz-2026-05-post-study-work-options#claim-3·Cite this claim
Source: Immigration New Zealand — New and updated post-study work visa options (Immigration New Zealand (INZ))·source verified ·page reviewed
Routes affected
Primary source
Primary source
Immigration New Zealand — New and updated post-study work visa options ↗ · Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
Link last verified: