New Zealand has confirmed a November 16 launch date for its new Short-term Graduate Work Visa, publishing further implementation details for post-study work reforms aimed at strengthening pathways from study to employment for international graduates.

Immigration New Zealand said the visa will provide six months of open work rights, allowing graduates time to seek employment and, where appropriate, transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa.

“We are introducing a new Short-term Graduate Work Visa and extending Post Study Work Visa eligibility to better align graduate pathways with New Zealand’s skills needs,” the agency said.

It added that the changes would “support growth in international education, while ensuring graduates are well placed to move into work that meets New Zealand’s skills needs”.

The update also provides further details around eligibility and conditions, including a requirement for applications to be submitted within three months of a student visa expiring.

From the same date, graduates who complete a Level 7 graduate diploma and hold a bachelor’s degree from New Zealand or overseas will become eligible for a post study work visa for up to one year.

Together, these changes aim to attract and retain international graduates with valuable skills, while maintaining education quality and protecting New Zealand’s international reputation as a great place to live and work

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The PIE News reported in March that the government planned to introduce the six-month graduate work visa and expand post-study work eligibility as part of wider efforts to strengthen graduate retention and support New Zealand’s international education ambitions.

The reforms form part of New Zealand’s wider International Education Going for Growth strategy, which aims to increase international enrolments by 35,000 and nearly double the sector’s value to NZD $7.2 billion by 2034.

Other recent measures have included increasing permitted work hours for eligible study visa holders from 20 to 25 hours per week and extending in-study work rights to all tertiary students enrolled in approved exchange or study abroad programs.

Education New Zealand recently reported that international enrolments reached 92,580 in 2025, up 11% year-on-year, while separate ENZ research found the country had already achieved its target of being considered a top-three study destination among prospective international students almost a decade ahead of schedule.

“Together, these changes aim to attract and retain international graduates with valuable skills, while maintaining education quality and protecting New Zealand’s international reputation as a great place to live and work,” INZ said.