The announced pathway will cover eligible graduates whose qualifications do not qualify them for a Post-Study Work Visa.
A new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is scheduled to open on 16 November 2026, giving eligible international graduates, including Indian graduates in Auckland, six months to work and seek their next employment opportunity.
Immigration New Zealand announced the visa on 10 September. It is intended for certain Level 5 to 7 qualifications studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks that do not qualify the graduate for a Post-Study Work Visa. English-language, foundation and bridging qualifications are excluded.
Applicants must have at least NZ$5,000 available for support and meet applicable health requirements. They must not previously have held either this new visa or a Post-Study Work Visa. Applications must be submitted within three months of the student visa expiring.
The new visa cannot be extended or granted a second time. Work must be for an employer under an employment agreement or contract for services; business ownership is not permitted. Holders cannot use it to support a partner's work visa or a child's Dependent Child Student Visa.
The announced rules offer time to look for employment and, where appropriate, move to an Accredited Employer Work Visa. A later visa remains a separate application with its own requirements.
For students choosing an Auckland qualification, the planning question is whether the course leads to the existing post-study pathway or this shorter option. Six months and a longer graduate visa represent different timeframes for organising a job search and finances.
As of 13 October, applications for the new category have not opened. Students should check the final eligibility instructions and their own visa expiry date before relying on the November launch in their plans.
Sources
Immigration New Zealand announcement published 10 September 2026