{"id":55475,"date":"2025-12-01T09:48:35","date_gmt":"2025-11-30T22:48:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteimmigration.com\/nz\/?p=55475"},"modified":"2025-12-01T11:06:43","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T00:06:43","slug":"what-do-the-new-student-visa-work-rights-changes-mean-for-international-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteimmigration.com\/nz\/news\/what-do-the-new-student-visa-work-rights-changes-mean-for-international-students\/","title":{"rendered":"New Student Visa work-rights changes for international students"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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What do the new student visa work-rights changes mean for international students?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>

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<\/a><\/span> 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.<\/p>

New Zealand\u2019s International Education<\/a> <\/span>Going for Growth Plan<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/p>

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In-study work hours: what is changing?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>

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.<\/p>

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<\/a> <\/span>or a new student visa.<\/p>

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.<\/p>

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Expanded work rights for exchange and Study Abroad students<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>

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

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

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Changing course or provider? New rules apply<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>

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.<\/p>

A variation of conditions will only be considered in situations where the change is outside the student\u2019s control, for example, if a provider closes unexpectedly.<\/p>

Students should check their visa conditions before making any changes to avoid interrupting their studies.<\/p>

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Variation of conditions: what current visa holders need to know<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>

Eligible students can apply to increase their work limit to 25 hours from 3 November 2025.<\/p>

The process depends on which system the visa was issued in:<\/p>