New Short-term Graduate Work Visa for Eligible International Graduates

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced a new Short-term Graduate Work Visa (SGWV), which may provide eligible international graduates with up to six months of open work rights in New Zealand.

Applications for the new visa are expected to open from 16 November 2026.

What is the Short-term Graduate Work Visa?

The Short-term Graduate Work Visa is intended for eligible international students who have completed a Level 5, 6 or 7 qualification in New Zealand but are not eligible for a Post Study Work Visa.

The visa provides up to six months of work rights, allowing eligible graduates to work for any employer while they look for employment opportunities and, where appropriate, transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

Who may be eligible?

According to Immigration New Zealand, applicants must meet a number of requirements, including:

• Hold a qualification at NZQCF Level 5, 6 or 7.

• Have completed at least 24 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand.

• Not have completed an English language, foundation, or bridging qualification.

• Not be eligible for a Post Study Work Visa.

• Have at least NZD $5,000 available to support themselves.

• Meet health requirements, including providing a medical certificate and chest X-ray where required for their intended length of stay.

• Not have previously held a Short-term Graduate Work Visa or a Post Study Work Visa.

• Have written approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Education New Zealand if their study was funded through the New Zealand Scholarship Programme.

What could this mean for AKA students?

The new visa may be relevant to eligible international students and graduates from AKA programmes at Levels 5–7, including:

• New Zealand Diploma in Health and Wellbeing (Level 5)

• New Zealand Diploma in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician) (Level 5)

• New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6)

Eligibility is based on each person's individual circumstances and Immigration New Zealand's requirements.

An important deadline to know

Eligible graduates must apply for the Short-term Graduate Work Visa within three months of their student visa expiring.

For example, INZ advises that if a student's visa expired before 16 August 2026, they will not be eligible to apply when applications open on 16 November 2026.

If you are currently studying or have recently completed your qualification, it is important to check your student visa expiry date.

What should students do now?

If you think the Short-term Graduate Work Visa may apply to you:

1. Check the full INZ eligibility requirements

2. Confirm the expiry date of your current student visa

3. Keep up to date with announcements from Immigration New Zealand

4. Seek advice from a Licensed Immigration Adviser if you need immigration advice specific to your circumstances

Applications are expected to open through Immigration Online from 16 November 2026.

Important information

This information is provided for general information purposes and is based on information supplied by Immigration New Zealand.

Studying or completing an AKA qualification does not automatically make a student eligible for the Short-term Graduate Work Visa.

Visa eligibility depends on individual circumstances and Immigration New Zealand requirements. Students should refer directly to Immigration New Zealand for current visa criteria or seek advice from a Licensed Immigration Adviser.

Ngā mihi,

Team AKA