New Zealand Student Visa Update: Work Limit Now 25 Hours/Week from 3 Nov 2025

The New Zealand government has updated its student visa policy to support international students and education providers. From 3 November 2025, eligible students can now work up to 25 hours a week during study periods — an increase from the previous 20-hour limit.

Why Did New Zealand Change the Student Work Limit?

The update is part of the International Education — Going for Growth Plan, introduced in July 2025. This initiative aims to:

• Promote sustainable growth in international education.

• Attract more overseas students.

• Maintain high education standards.

• Manage immigration risks more effectively.

By increasing the weekly work limit, the government wants to make New Zealand a more attractive and competitive study destination for global learners.

Who Can Work 25 Hours a Week Under the New Rule?

From 3 November 2025, all new student visas granted will include the updated 25-hour work right, even if the application was submitted earlier.

Students who currently hold a 20-hour visa can apply for:

• A Variation of Conditions, or

• A new student visa to access the extra five hours.

Most student visas already allow full-time work during scheduled breaks, such as summer holidays. Students with this condition can apply for the additional hours once summer ends if their visa remains valid.

Note: Secondary school students in Years 12 and 13 still require school and parental consent to work, even under the new limit.

How Many Students Are Affected by This Change?

As of now, 40,987 student visa holders in New Zealand have work rights.

• 29,790 of these visas expire on or before 31 March 2026.

• 11,197 expire after that date.

Officials expect that not every student will apply immediately for the extra hours — some may wait until their next renewal or until their current visa expires.

What Are the Other Key Visa Changes for Students?

The government has also expanded and clarified several visa conditions:

1. Exchange and Study Abroad Students

All tertiary students enrolled in approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including one-semester courses, now have in-study work rights.
→ This update makes New Zealand’s universities and colleges more appealing to short-term international learners.

2. Changing Education Providers or Study Levels

Students who:

• Switch to a new provider, or

• Lower their qualification level (for example, moving from a degree to a diploma),
  will now need a new student visa instead of a variation of conditions.

Exceptions apply only in limited situations, such as provider closures or course discontinuation.

3. Dependent Child Visitor Visas and Skilled Migrant Interim Visas

Holders of these visas also gain from the update — their part-time work rights increase from 20 to 25 hours per week.

How Can Students Apply for the Extra Work Hours?

Students can apply online through Immigration New Zealand’s platform.

• Application type: Variation of Conditions or new student visa

• Fee: NZD $325

Eligibility depends on when the visa was issued and the current visa type.

What’s Next for International Students in New Zealand?

The government is exploring additional measures, including:

• A short-term work visa for vocational graduates.

• Streamlined visa processing for faster outcomes.

These proposals are awaiting Cabinet approval.

Students can stay updated through the Ministry of Education’s official International Education — Going for Growth website.

If you plan to study in New Zealand, book your free student visa counselling session today with Pacific Educational Consultants — your trusted pathway to global education success.