A review before implementation
Immigration New Zealand schedules the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa for November 16, offering eligible graduates six months of open work rights. This is a pre-implementation reminder, not a new announcement or a route already open today. Independent analysis by McMillan & Co. distinguishes it from expansion of the existing post-study route.
Conditions on the six-month route
The official conditions include an NZQCF Level 5–7 qualification studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks that does not qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa. English, foundation and bridging qualifications are excluded. Applicants need at least NZ$5,000 and must meet health and other requirements. Previous holders of either graduate work visa cannot receive another; applications must be within three months of student visa expiry.
A separate bachelor-plus-diploma route
A separate expansion covers Level 7 Graduate Diploma graduates who already hold a bachelor’s degree, with full-duration New Zealand study and no cross-crediting of that qualification. The visa lasts up to one year. Taiwanese students should check their course and visa history. Neither route guarantees employment, residence or family visas.
