New Zealand confirms November launch of six-month graduate work visa

New Zealand's Short-term Graduate Work Visa will take effect on Nov. 16, bringing new employment pathways for international graduates.

According to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), the visa will provide graduates with six months of open work rights. During this time, they can seek employment and potentially transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa if they find a suitable role.

The agency said "the reforms will support growth in international education, while ensuring graduates are well placed to move into work that meets New Zealand's skills needs."

The agency added that the measures "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."

Students at Auckland Law School of the University of Auckland in 2024. Photo from the school's Facebook page

Requirements

Applications for the new visa must be lodged within three months of the applicant's student visa expiring.

Candidates must have completed a full-time, 24-week New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) Level 5 to 7 qualification. English-language, foundation, or bridging programs do not qualify.

Financially, applicants must demonstrate access to at least NZ$5,000 (US$2,960). They must also meet health requirements, such as medical certificates and chest X-rays, and cannot have previously held a Post Study Work Visa or Short-term Graduate Work Visa.

Finally, students funded by the New Zealand Scholarship Program must secure written approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Education New Zealand before applying.

Expanded post-study rights

The Nov. 16 rollout will also expand standard post-study work rights. Graduates completing a Level 7 graduate diploma who already hold a bachelor's degree will become eligible for a post-study work visa of up to one year.

These adjustments are part of the "International Education Going for Growth" strategy, which aims to boost international enrolments by 35,000 students and double the sector's economic output to $7.2 billion by 2034.

As part of this broader push, eligible student visa holders recently saw their maximum working hours increased from 20 to 25 hours per week.

These initiatives align with an upward trend in the sector. Education New Zealand reported that international student enrolments hit 92,580 in 2025, marking an 11% year-on-year increase.

China and India continue to lead the demographic breakdown at 34% and 14%, respectively. Japan follows at 9%, with South Korea and Sri Lanka at 4%. Students from Germany, the U.S., Nepal, and the Philippines each account for 3% of the total enrolment.