Starting November 3, 2025, international students in New Zealand can now work up to 25 hours per week during the academic term, following the government’s implementation of revised student visa work rights.
The new policy, part of the International Education Going for Growth Plan introduced in July, aims to strengthen the country’s education sector while supporting overseas students amid rising living costs, The Economic Times reported.
Under the updated rules, tertiary and secondary school students holding valid student visas can work five additional hours per week, up from the previous 20-hour cap. The change applies to all new visas issued from November 3, including pending applications submitted before that date, as reported by The Economic Times.
Students currently holding visas with a 20-hour limit can apply for either a variation of conditions or a new visa to access the increased work allowance. Provisions allowing full-time work during scheduled academic breaks remain unchanged.
For school students in Years 12 and 13, the extended work limit to 25 hours will still require parental and school consent. The new rules also extend in-study work rights to tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, even for those enrolled in one-semester courses.
Additionally, dependent child visitor visa holders and Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa holders can now legally work up to 25 hours per week, compared to 20 hours earlier.
According to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), these changes are designed to give students “greater opportunities for practical experience” while ensuring they maintain their academic focus. The department emphasised that the policy is meant to uphold education quality, manage immigration integrity, and support sustainable sector growth, The Economic Times reported.
To increase their weekly work hours, students must apply through Immigration Online or by submitting the INZ 1020 Variation of Conditions form, depending on their visa type and issue date. The application fee is NZ$325.
INZ also clarified that students changing education providers or lowering their level of study will generally need to apply for a new student visa rather than a simple variation, except in cases where changes occur due to unavoidable circumstances, such as institutional closures.
Official data shows 40,987 student visa holders currently have in-study work rights in New Zealand, with nearly 30,000 visas set to expire by March 2026, meaning a majority could benefit from the new rule within the current academic cycle, as quoted by The Economic Times.
Authorities expect the increased work flexibility to make New Zealand a more appealing destination for international learners while providing additional financial support.
The government’s broader International Education Growth Plan also includes upcoming initiatives such as a short-term work visa for vocational graduates and streamlined visa processes, further underscoring New Zealand’s commitment to becoming a leading global hub for higher education.