New Zealand has announced a major win for international students. From November 16, 2026, a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa (STGWV) will open – giving eligible Level 5-7 graduates 6 months of open work rights to stay back and find a job.
If you didn’t qualify for the Post-Study Work Visa before, this is your second chance.
What Is The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa?
This is a brand-new, temporary work visa designed for graduates who completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand but do not qualify for the existing Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV).
What it offers:
- Up to 6 months open work rights – work for any employer, any role
- No job offer required before applying
- Time to hunt for a job and transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
- Apply online via Immigration New Zealand’s new ADEPT system
This is not a replacement for PSWV. PSWV can give up to 3 years work rights, this one is 6 months.
Who Is Eligible? The 5-Point Checklist
Immigration New Zealand has made it very clear:
- Qualification Level:
Must hold an eligible NZQCF Level 5, 6 or 7 qualification. Think Certificates, Diplomas, Graduate Diplomas.
NOT eligible: English language, foundation, or bridging courses. - Study Duration:
Must have studied that qualification full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks. - PSWV Exclusion Rule:
Your qualification must NOT already make you eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa. This visa is only for those who fall outside PSWV. - Funds & Health:
- At least NZD $5,000 in available funds to support yourself
- Must meet medical and chest X-ray requirements
- Visa History & Deadline:
- You must NOT have previously held a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa or a Post-Study Work Visa
- You must apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring. Important: If your student visa expired before August 16, 2026, you will NOT be eligible when applications open on Nov 16, because your 3-month window would have passed.
Short-Term Graduate Work Visa vs Post-Study Work Visa: Key Differences
| Feature | Short-Term Graduate Work Visa (NEW) | Post-Study Work Visa (Existing) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 6 months | Up to 3 years |
| Target | Graduates NOT eligible for PSWV | Graduates meeting PSWV requirements |
| Work Rights | Open – any employer, no offer needed | Open, but depends on qualification |
| Business Ownership | Not allowed | Allowed with conditions |
| Partner Sponsorship | Cannot sponsor partner for work visa | Can support partner visa if rules met |
| Extension | One-time, non-renewable, non-extendable | Not generally renewable |
| Purpose | Short-term job search & transition to AEWV | Longer-term employment |
Major Update: PSWV Also Expanding!
On the same day, Nov 16, 2026, NZ is expanding PSWV eligibility.
Now, graduates who complete a Level 7 Graduate Diploma AND already hold a bachelor’s degree (NZ or overseas) will be eligible for PSWV. It will be granted for the length of time you studied the diploma in NZ, up to 1 year. Cross-crediting won’t count.
So from Nov 16, you have 2 paths:
- Level 5-7 Certificate/Diploma that doesn’t lead to PSWV -> Short-Term Visa (6 months)
- Level 7 Graduate Diploma + Bachelor’s Degree -> Post-Study Work Visa (up to 1 year)
Restrictions You MUST Know
- No second chance: Only ONE STGWV in your lifetime. Cannot be extended or granted twice.
- No self-employment: You must work under an employment agreement. You cannot own or run your own business.
- Family limits: You cannot support a partner for a work visa or children for Dependent Child Student Visa on this visa. They can apply independently as visitors.
- Studying again? If you hold this visa and want to study again, your next course must be a bachelor’s degree OR higher than your previous qualification AND must make you eligible for PSWV.
Documents Checklist for Application
Prepare for ADEPT upload:
- Passport & identity
- Evidence of eligible NZ qualification
- Academic transcripts / confirmation of 24 weeks full-time study
- Proof of NZD $5,000 funds
- Medical / chest X-ray (if required)
- Previous NZ visa history
Who Should Apply For This Visa? (Strategy)
This visa is perfect for:
- Students who did a Level 5 or 6 diploma in hospitality, cookery, business, IT support etc.
- Students whose provider or course wasn’t PSWV-eligible
- Students who need 3-6 months buffer to get an AEWV job offer
Pro Tip: Don’t wait till Nov 16. If your student visa expires in Sep/Oct 2026, your 3-month window is ticking. Keep funds ready and health checks done early.
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