On Monday July 14, 2025, the Government announced the International Education Going for Growth Plan. As part of this plan, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is changing some immigration rules.
In November 2025, INZ will be:
- increasing the number of hours eligible students can work while holding a student visa, from 20 to 25 hours a week
- extending eligibility for in-study work rights to all tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including 1-semester courses
- clarifying that those who change their education provider or lower their level of study will need to apply for a new student visa, not just a variation of conditions.
Increased in-study work hours
From November 3, 2025, eligible tertiary and secondary school students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during the semester – an increase from the current 20-hour limit. This will apply to all new student visas granted from that date, even if the application was submitted earlier.
Those who already have a student visa with a 20-hour work limit and want to work up to 25 hours will need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new student visa. The relevant immigrations fees will apply.
Many student visas already allow full-time work during summer and other scheduled breaks. Holders of these visas might not need to apply for the extra five hours immediately. They can choose to apply for the variation of conditions after summer, if their visa is still valid.
School students in years 12 and 13 require parental and school permission for 20 hours in-study work rights during the year. This permission will still be a requirement with the increase to 25 hours a week.
There are currently 40,987 student visa holders with in-study work rights. Of these, 29,790 visas are set to expire on or before March 31, 2026, while 11,197 will expire after that date.
Not all visa holders are expected to apply for the additional five hours of work rights. Some may choose to wait until their next visa application to include the change, rather than pay to vary their current visa conditions. Others may be nearing the end of their studies and therefore unlikely to apply for the extra work hours.
Subject to Cabinet agreement, INZ is exploring further changes, including a new short-term work visa for some vocational graduates and streamlined visa processes.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.
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