International students in New Zealand can now work for longer hours as new rules come into effect

New Zealand’s revised student visa work rights have officially come into effect from November 3, 2025, allowing eligible international students to work up to 25 hours a week during the academic term. The new measures are part of the government’s International Education Going for Growth Plan, introduced in July to support the sustainable expansion of the country’s education sector and attract more overseas learners.

Broader work rights for students

Under the new rules, tertiary and secondary school students with valid student visas can now work five additional hours per week, up from the previous 20-hour limit. The change applies to all new student visas granted from November 3, including those submitted before that date.

Students currently holding a visa with a 20-hour limit can apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to access the expanded work rights. Existing provisions for full-time work during scheduled breaks remain unchanged.

For school students in years 12 and 13, parental and school permission will still be required for in-study work, now extended to 25 hours weekly.

More inclusive eligibility

The updated rules also extend in-study work rights to all tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, even those enrolled in one-semester courses. Additionally, dependent child visitor visa holders and Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa holders can now work up to 25 hours a week, up from 20 hours.

These adjustments, according to Immigration New Zealand, are intended to help students gain more work experience while balancing study commitments. According to the official statement, the policy is introduced to “keep education standards high, manage immigration risks, and strengthen the international education sector.”

How students can apply

Students seeking to increase their work hours must apply through Immigration Online or by submitting the INZ 1020 Variation of Conditions form, depending on when their current visa was issued. The application fee is NZ $325.

Those on visas issued before August 18, 2025, can apply through the earlier system, while those with newer visas must use the enhanced Immigration Online platform.

Immigration New Zealand clarified that visa holders changing their education provider or lowering their level of study will generally need to apply for a new student visa, not just a variation. Exceptions may apply if changes occur due to circumstances beyond the student’s control, such as an institution’s closure.

According to official data, New Zealand currently has 40,987 student visa holders with in-study work rights. Of these, nearly 30,000 visas will expire by March 2026, suggesting that a large proportion of students could benefit from the policy during the current academic cycle.

Authorities expect the new flexibility to make New Zealand a more attractive study destination and to support students facing higher living costs. Further changes under the International Education Growth Plan are also being explored, including a short-term work visa for vocational graduates and streamlined visa processes.