As a leading immigration consultancy, we understand the critical importance of staying updated with policy changes that directly affect international students in New Zealand. With the Government’s recent unveiling of the International Education Going for Growth Plan, a significant shift is underway in how New Zealand Student Visa work rights are structured. This article presents a detailed breakdown of these changes, their implications, and actionable insights for students, education providers, and sponsors.
International Education Going for Growth Plan: A Strategic Shift
The New Zealand Government, through Immigration New Zealand (INZ), has initiated the International Education Going for Growth Plan to revitalize the education sector, enhance sustainability, and ensure high-quality international engagement. One of the core pillars of this initiative is revising student visa work conditions to attract a diverse range of international learners while maintaining educational standards and immigration integrity.
Increased In-Study Work Rights: From 20 to 25 Hours
Effective 3 November 2025, eligible tertiary and senior secondary students can legally work up to 25 hours per week during the academic term. This increase from the previous 20-hour cap provides students with greater financial flexibility and practical exposure in New Zealand’s labor market.
New Zealand Student Visa Key Details:
- Applies automatically to all new student visas approved from 3 November 2025 onwards, even if the application was submitted earlier.
- Current student visa holders with a 20-hour cap must apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to access the additional 5 hours.
- Students are still permitted to work full-time during scheduled breaks, including summer holidays, provided it’s stated on their visa.
Extended In-Study Work Rights for Exchange and Study Abroad Students
Previously, short-term exchange or Study Abroad students, particularly those enrolled for one semester, were excluded from in-study work entitlements. Now, all tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes will be granted in-study work rights, creating a more inclusive and competitive education framework.
New Visa Requirement When Changing Provider or Study Level
To mitigate misuse of the student visa system and ensure academic integrity, INZ now mandates that students who:
- Change education providers, or
- Shift to a lower level of study
must apply for a new student visa. Previously, such changes were often managed through a variation of conditions. This update closes loopholes and reinforces transparency and accountability across institutions and students.
New Zealand Student Visa Holders at a Glance
There are currently 40,987 student visa holders with in-study work rights. Among these:
- 29,790 visas will expire on or before 31 March 2026
- 11,197 visas are valid beyond March 2026
Not all visa holders are expected to apply for the extra 5 hours due to cost or proximity to graduation. Many may wait until their next visa renewal to benefit from the increased work allowance.
Also read: Enhanced Immigration Online System for International Student Visas in New Zealand
Variation of Conditions: Application Process & Fees
For current visa holders looking to capitalize on the new 25-hour work limit:
- Submit a Variation of Conditions application via the INZ portal.
- Provide evidence of:
- Ongoing enrollment
- Compliance with visa conditions
- Employer offer (if applicable)
- Pay the standard variation fee as outlined on the INZ fee schedule.
Note: High school students (Years 12–13) still require written consent from parents and school authorities, even with the updated weekly hours.
Future Policy Changes Under Review
INZ is evaluating further immigration enhancements to support vocational education and skilled employment pathways:
- Short-Term Work Visa for Vocational Graduates: Designed to retain skills in critical sectors post-study.
- Streamlined Visa Processing: For students enrolled in priority institutions or qualifications.
These changes are pending Cabinet approval and are expected to further increase New Zealand’s attractiveness to global talent.
What These Changes Mean for International Students
These new rules mark a pivotal shift in New Zealand’s approach to international education. They offer:
- Increased employment flexibility
- Greater parity for short-term students
- Clearer compliance guidelines
- Stronger pathways to graduate employment and residency
Our Expert Advice to International Students
We at Immigration Chambers, strongly recommend that current and prospective students:
- Review your current visa conditions on your visa label or eVisa letter.
- Apply early for variations to avoid delays and ensure you’re covered by the 25-hour provision.
- Consult with your education provider before changing study plans to ensure compliance.
- Stay updated through official INZ channels or by consulting licensed immigration advisors.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 reforms to student visa work rights reinforce New Zealand’s commitment to fostering a dynamic, fair, and growth-oriented international education ecosystem. These changes present expanded opportunities for students, while also tightening the regulatory framework to preserve the country’s immigration and education integrity.
For those navigating these changes, informed decision-making and timely action are essential.
Need Expert Guidance?
Our team of Licensed Immigration Advisers in New Zealand is ready to assist with visa variations, new applications, and strategic study-to-work transitions. Contact us today to explore your options.
FAQs
1. What is the new weekly work limit for international students on a New Zealand student visa?
From 3 November 2025, eligible international students in New Zealand can work up to 25 hours per week during the academic semester, an increase from the previous 20-hour limit.
2. Who qualifies for the 25-hour work allowance under the new New Zealand student visa rules?
All new student visas granted from 3 November 2025 onwards automatically include the 25-hour work right. Existing visa holders must apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to access the increased work limit.
3. Are Study Abroad and Exchange students in New Zealand eligible for in-study work rights now?
Yes. Under the updated policy, all tertiary-level international students enrolled in approved Study Abroad or Exchange programmes in New Zealand, including one-semester courses, are now eligible for in-study work rights.
4. Can international students in New Zealand still work full-time during holidays and breaks?
Yes. If your New Zealand student visa includes permission to work full-time during scheduled breaks or summer holidays, this remains valid. You can choose to apply for the extra 5-hour in-study work variation after the break.
5. Do secondary school students in New Zealand need permission to work under the new 25-hour rule?
Yes. International students in Years 12 and 13 still require written consent from both their parents and school to work up to 25 hours per week during term time in New Zealand.
6. What happens if I change my education provider or study level in New Zealand?
If you switch your New Zealand education provider or move to a lower level of study, you must apply for a new student visa. A variation of conditions will no longer be accepted in such cases.
7. Are more changes coming to New Zealand’s student visa or immigration policy?
Yes. Immigration New Zealand is considering additional updates, including a short-term work visa for vocational graduates and streamlined visa processes. These are subject to Cabinet approval and will be announced in due course.