Key Points
- New Zealand will expand student visa work rights starting November 3, 2025
- Eligible students can work up to 25 hours weekly, up from 20 hours
- Expanded eligibility includes tertiary exchange and Study Abroad students
- Changes require new visas for provider changes or study-level reductions
Overview
Effective November 3, 2025, New Zealand will introduce significant updates to student visa conditions under the International Education Going for Growth Plan. The changes aim to support the international education sector, enhance opportunities for students, and align with immigration risk management objectives.
Under the revised rules, eligible secondary and tertiary students can work up to 25 hours per week during academic terms, an increase from the previous 20-hour limit. This change applies to student visas approved on or after November 3, 2025. Current visa holders will need to either request a variation of conditions or apply for a new visa to access the additional work hours.
The reforms also expand in-study work rights to all tertiary-level exchange and Study Abroad students, including those enrolled in single-semester programs. Additionally, students who change their education provider or reduce their study level will now be required to apply for a new visa rather than relying on a variation of conditions.
New Zealand currently has 40,987 student visa holders with work rights. Of these, 29,790 visas will expire on or before March 31, 2026, while 11,197 remain valid beyond that date. Many students may delay applying for increased work hours until their next visa renewal or as their studies near completion.
Looking Ahead
Education providers and employers should prepare for the shift in student work eligibility and ensure compliance with updated conditions. Immigration and mobility teams should guide affected students through the application process, particularly for those seeking to extend their work hours or change their study programs. Monitoring official updates will help organizations align their workforce planning with the evolving student visa framework.
