Verified policy record

New Zealand to Launch Short-Term Graduate Work Visa

Immigration New Zealand will introduce a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa, starting on 16 November 2026. This visa gives international graduates who meet the rules six months of open work rights. This means they can look for work and potentially move to an Accredited Employer Work Visa. This new path aims to better match graduates' skills with what New Zealand needs economically.

Jurisdiction

New Zealand

Stage

Effective 16 Nov 2026

Published

10 Sept 2026

In force

16 Nov 2026

Category

Graduate Pathways

Official source

Immigration New Zealand — News