29/05/2026
📢 New Updates for International Students in New Zealand (from Nov 16, 2026)
New Zealand is introducing changes to better support international graduates and meet workforce needs:
✅ New Short-term Graduate Work Visa
6-month open work visa to help graduates find jobs or transition to other visas
Available for eligible Level 5–7 graduates not eligible for a Post Study Work Visa
Applications open from 16 November 2026
✅ Extended Post Study Work Visa
Now includes Graduate Diploma (Level 7) holders with a bachelor’s degree
Valid up to 1 year, depending on study duration
💡 Key points:
Only one work visa allowed (no second Post Study or Short-term visa)
Short-term visa holders cannot sponsor partners/children
Changes aim to attract skilled graduates, support career pathways, and boost New Zealand’s education sector
🌏🎓 Studying in New Zealand? Two work visa options are opening up for graduates.
From Monday 16 November, there are two changes that can help international graduates take the next step from study into work:
✅ New visa: Short‑term Graduate Work Visa (SGWV)
A new visa for eligible graduates of vocational study, offering up to 6 months of open work rights — time to look for a job, gain local experience, and explore longer‑term options.
✅ Expanded eligibility: Post‑Study Work Visa (PSWV)
More graduates will now be eligible for a Post‑Study Work Visa of up to 12 months, with eligibility extended to students who complete a Level 7 Graduate Diploma and also hold a Bachelor’s degree.
These are one‑off visas and can only be granted once per individual.
Find out more about these visas and start planning your study journey at: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/new-and-updated-post-study-work-visa-options/