Reminder: increased work rights, other student visa changes

Read more on the Immigration New Zealand news centre.

Earlier this year, the Government outlined its International Education Going for Growth Plan to strengthen New Zealand as a study destination, while maintaining education quality and immigration integrity. 

For many international student visa holders, changes from 3 November 2025 will: 

• increase the hours eligible tertiary and secondary school students can work while holding a student visa, from 20 to 25 hours per week. Secondary school students will still need permission from their parents and school to work.  

• extend eligibility for in-study work rights to all tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including one-semester courses.

• require international students who want to change to a lower-level course or change education provider to apply for a new student visa, rather than a variation of conditions to their existing visa.

Current student visa holders who want to increase their work rights to 25 hours per week must first apply for a variation of conditions. They can do this from 3 November 2025.

Students who have the ability to work full-time over the summer vacation may decide not to apply for a variation of conditions. The 25-hour work limit will automatically apply to all eligible new and renewed student visas granted from 3 November, even if the application was submitted earlier.