New Student Visa work-rights changes for international students

What do the new student visa work-rights changes mean for international students?

If you are an international student in New Zealand, you might be wondering how the changes to work rights could affect your study, income, and long-term plans. The Government has confirmed significant updates to the Student Visa framework, increasing permitted work hours and refining several visa settings to strengthen both education quality and immigration integrity. With these new rules , it is more important than ever to understand what is changing, who benefits, and how these adjustments may influence your study journey, financial stability, and future visa options.

New Zealand’s International Education Going for Growth Plan introduces several adjustments designed to support student opportunity while protecting education quality and immigration integrity. Here is what students, parents, and providers need to know.

In-study work hours: what is changing?

Eligible tertiary and secondary school students will be able to work up to 25 hours a week during study periods, which is an increase from the current 20 hour limit.

This new limit will automatically apply to all new and renewed student visas granted from 3 November, even if the visa application was lodged earlier. Students who already hold a visa with a 20 hour limit and want to access the additional 5 hours will need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new student visa.

Most student visas already allow full-time work during scheduled breaks, so students who plan to work full time over summer may choose to wait until later in the year before applying for a variation. Secondary school students in Years 12 and 13 will still need parental and school approval to work during study periods. This requirement remains unchanged despite the increased hours.

Expanded work rights for exchange and Study Abroad students

In-study work rights will extend to all tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including those enrolled for a single semester.

This closes a long-standing gap and ensures visiting tertiary students have consistent access to limited work rights while in New Zealand.

Changing course or provider? New rules apply

International students planning to switch to a lower level course or move to a different education provider will now be required to apply for a new student visa.

A variation of conditions will only be considered in situations where the change is outside the student’s control, for example, if a provider closes unexpectedly.

Students should check their visa conditions before making any changes to avoid interrupting their studies.

Variation of conditions: what current visa holders need to know

Eligible students can apply to increase their work limit to 25 hours from 3 November 2025.

The process depends on which system the visa was issued in:

• Visas issued before 18 August 2025 (legacy system):

Students will use an online form specifically for increasing work hours.

• Visas issued after 18 August 2025 (enhanced Immigration Online system):

Students will apply through their Immigration Online account.

The fee for either pathway is NZD $325. Students who need to change other conditions must use the INZ 1020 form.

Additional groups gaining increased work rights

The increase to 25 hours a week is not limited to student visa holders.

Part time work rights will also expand for:

• Dependent child visitor visa holders waiting for a family residence decision
• Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa holders who previously held a student visa.
• Eligible individuals can apply for increased hours using the INZ 1020 Variation of Conditions form.

Need tailored immigration support?

Absolute Immigration NZ can assist with eligibility assessments, preparing or updating visa applications, managing condition changes, and providing compliance advice to students, employers, and education providers. Giving you ease of mind during a stressful situation. .

For guidance on student visas, variations of conditions, or understanding how these changes may affect you, contact our team of NZ Immigration Advisers for tailored guidance at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com.