As part of the government’s International Education Going for Growth Plan, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is introducing important changes to New Zealand student visa rules to support sustainable growth, attract more international students, and maintain high standards in education. These updates will also help manage immigration risks while offering more flexibility to students.

What’s changing?

From 3 November 2025, Immigration New Zealand will implement the following updates to student visa conditions:

  1. Increased In-Study Work Hours
    Eligible tertiary and secondary school students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic semester, up from the current 20-hour limit. This change will apply to all new student visas granted from 3 November 2025, even if the application was submitted before that date.

    • Students who already hold a visa with a 20-hour work limit can apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to access the additional 5 hours.

    • Usual immigration fees will apply for these changes.

    • Full-time work during scheduled breaks (such as summer) will continue to be allowed under existing conditions.

  2. Extended Work Rights for Exchange and Study Abroad Students
    In-study work rights will now include all tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, even those enrolled in one-semester courses.

  3. Clarified Visa Requirements for Study Changes
    If you change your education provider or lower your level of study, you’ll be required to apply for a new student visa—not just a variation of conditions. This ensures your visa accurately reflects your current study plan.

 

Who Is Affected?

There are currently 40,987 student visa holders with in-study work rights. Of these, 29,790 visas will expire on or before 31 March 2026, while 11,197 will expire after that. Not all students are expected to seek the 5-hour increase, especially those nearing the end of their studies.

Learn more about the International Education Going for Growth Plan by visiting the Ministry of Education website and read here for more information on this update.

Watch this space for further changes that Cabinet is considering – these include a short-term work visa for vocational graduates and streamlined processes for visas. Talk with us today if this affects you and we’ll advise you on how to proceed.