New Zealand Student Visa Work Hours Increased to 25 Hours/Week – What You Need to Know

Government Launches International Education Going for Growth Plan

On Monday, 14 July 2025, the New Zealand Government officially announced the International Education Going for Growth Plan, a bold step aimed at:

• Supporting sustainable economic growth
• Attracting more international students
• Maintaining high education standards
• Managing immigration risks responsibly

As part of this plan, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is making important changes to student visa conditions, effective from 3 November 2025.

Increased In-Study Work Hours

Starting 3 November 2025, eligible tertiary and senior secondary (Years 12–13) international students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic semester—up from the current 20-hour limit.

This new rule will apply to:

• All new student visas granted on or after 3 November 2025
• Applications already submitted but granted after this date

Already on a 20-hour visa?

You’ll need to apply for a variation of conditions or new visa to benefit from the 25-hour policy. Standard INZ application fees will apply.

• Summer breaks and holidays: Most student visas already allow full-time work during breaks. If that applies to you, you may choose to delay applying for the extra 5 hours until after your break.
• Secondary school students (Years 12 and 13): You’ll still need written permission from both your school and parents to work up to 25 hours a week.

Work Rights Extended to Exchange Students

INZ will also extend in-study work rights to:

• All tertiary-level exchange and Study Abroad students
• Including those enrolled in short-term (1 semester) programmes

This change ensures greater equity for all types of international learners and offers more opportunities for cultural and professional integration.

New Visa Required for Changes in Study Path

If you:

• Switch to a new education provider, or
• Move to a lower level of study

You must apply for a new student visa rather than requesting a simple variation. This ensures better tracking and integrity within the student visa system.

Current Stats & Outlook

As of July 2025:

• 40,987 student visa holders currently have in-study work rights
  • 29,790 visas expire on or before 31 March 2026
  • 11,197 visas will expire after that date

Not all visa holders are expected to seek the 5-hour upgrade. Some may wait to include it in their next visa application, while others near graduation may opt out.

What’s Next?

Subject to Cabinet approval, INZ is also exploring:

• A new short-term work visa (up to 6 months) for some vocational graduates
• Streamlined visa processing, including multi-year visas and improved graduate-to-work pathways

Stay tuned—more updates will be released as they are confirmed.

Final Thoughts

These policy changes reflect New Zealand’s commitment to supporting international students and enhancing its global education reputation. With more work hours, greater inclusivity, and clearer visa protocols, students will enjoy improved opportunities to earn, learn, and thrive in Aotearoa.

Reach out to Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd on contact@nzimmigration.info for expert advice tailored to your situation.