new zealandvisasworking
New graduate work visa and wider PSWV access from Nov 2026
New Zealand is opening two new post-study work options from 16 November 2026. A new Short Term Graduate Work Visa gives six months of open work rights to graduates who don’t currently qualify for a Post Study Work Visa (PSWV). Separately, PSWV eligibility is extending to graduate diploma holders at NZQCF level 7 who also hold a bachelor’s degree. Both changes target students whose qualifications currently fall outside existing post-study pathways.
What changed
Two changes take effect on Monday 16 November 2026:
- New Short Term Graduate Work Visa. This gives eligible graduates six months of open work rights — enough time to look for work and, where appropriate, move to an Accredited Employer Work Visa. To qualify, applicants need an NZQCF level 5–7 qualification (not English language, foundation, or bridging study) studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks, and at least NZD $5,000 available to support themselves. Applications must be submitted within three months of the applicant’s student visa expiring. Only one can be granted per person, with no extensions, and visa holders can’t run their own business — they must work under an employment agreement.
- Wider Post Study Work Visa eligibility. The PSWV is extending to graduates who hold a graduate diploma at NZQCF level 7 studied full-time in New Zealand, provided they also hold a bachelor’s degree completed either in New Zealand or overseas (no time limit on when it was completed). The visa is granted for a period matching the New Zealand study completed, up to a maximum of one year. As with the existing PSWV, only one can be granted per person regardless of qualification level.
Who it affects
- Graduates of shorter NZQCF level 5–7 programmes (at least 24 weeks full-time) who don’t currently qualify for a Post Study Work Visa.
- Graduate diploma holders at NZQCF level 7 who also completed a bachelor’s degree, whether in New Zealand or overseas.
- Students currently planning their post-study options who should factor the 16 November 2026 start date into their study and job-search timeline.
What you should do
- Check which pathway applies to your qualification level — the two visas have different eligibility rules and can’t both be used by the same person.
- If you’re relying on the new Short Term Graduate Work Visa, apply within three months of your student visa expiring, and be ready to show at least NZD $5,000 in funds.
- If you’re pursuing the extended PSWV eligibility via a level 7 graduate diploma, confirm your bachelor’s degree meets the requirement before you plan around it.
- Because both changes start 16 November 2026, students finishing study just before that date should check whether waiting affects their eligibility.
See the visas page for how these options sit alongside other post-study routes, and working for general employment rules for visa holders.
What hasn’t changed
The existing Post Study Work Visa — up to three years depending on qualification level, from NZD $1,670, with a NZD $5,000 funds requirement — continues as before for graduates who already meet its criteria. This is an addition to existing pathways, not a replacement.