New Zealand to Relax Work Rights for Student Visa Holders in 2025

From November 2025, New Zealand student visas allow 25 work hours weekly. All tertiary exchange students qualify. Changing providers demands new visas. Fees rise. These policy changes enhance student flexibility, aiming to increase international enrollments and economic benefits.

Key Takeaways

• From Nov 3, 2025, NZ student visa holders can work 25 hours weekly during term time, up from 20 hours.
• All tertiary exchange and Study Abroad students gain in-study work rights, including one-semester programs.
• Students changing providers or lowering study levels must apply for a new visa, not variations.

On July 14–15, 2025, the New Zealand 🇳🇿 Government announced a major update to its student visa policy, bringing significant changes to work rights for international students. These changes, set to take effect on November 3, 2025, are part of the International Education Going for Growth Plan. The update aims to make New Zealand more attractive to international students, support the country’s economic goals, and respond to global shifts in student mobility. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s changing, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for current and future student visa holders.

Summary of Key Changes

New Zealand to Relax Work Rights for Student Visa Holders in 2025
New Zealand to Relax Work Rights for Student Visa Holders in 2025
  • Work rights for student visa holders will increase from 20 to 25 hours per week during term time.
  • Expanded eligibility: All tertiary students, including those in approved exchange or Study Abroad programs (even for just one semester), will now have in-study work rights.
  • Policy clarification: Students who change their education provider or lower their level of study must apply for a new student visa, not just a variation of conditions.
  • Secondary school students in Years 12 and 13 can also work up to 25 hours per week, but only with parental and school permission.
  • Visa fees have increased: As of October 2024, the student visa fee is NZ$750, and the post-study work visa fee is NZ$1,670.

Let’s look at each of these changes in detail, who they affect, and what steps students and education providers need to take.


Who Is Affected by the Changes?

These updates impact several groups:

  • New student visa applicants from November 3, 2025, onwards.
  • Current student visa holders who want to access the increased work rights.
  • Tertiary students (university, polytechnic, and other higher education students).
  • Secondary school students in Years 12 and 13.
  • Students in exchange or Study Abroad programs, including those on short-term or one-semester courses.
  • Students planning to change their education provider or lower their level of study.

Effective Date and Scope

  • Implementation Date: November 3, 2025.
  • Applies to: All new student visas issued from this date, regardless of when the application was submitted.
  • Current visa holders: Those with a 20-hour work limit must apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to access the 25-hour limit.

What Has Changed?

1. Increased Work Rights for Student Visa Holders

  • Old rule: Student visa holders could work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
  • New rule: Eligible student visa holders can now work up to 25 hours per week during term time.
  • Who qualifies: All tertiary students and secondary school students in Years 12 and 13 (with parental and school permission).

This change gives international students more flexibility to earn money and gain work experience while studying in New Zealand 🇳🇿. It also helps students manage living costs, which can be high for those coming from overseas.

2. Expanded Eligibility for In-Study Work Rights

  • Old rule: Only some exchange or Study Abroad students had work rights, and these were often limited.
  • New rule: All tertiary students in approved exchange or Study Abroad programs, including those in one-semester courses, will have in-study work rights.

This update makes New Zealand 🇳🇿 more attractive to students who want to study for a short time and still gain work experience. It also helps the country compete with other popular study destinations that have recently tightened their student work policies.

3. Policy Clarification on Changing Providers or Study Level

  • Old rule: Students could often change their education provider or lower their level of study by applying for a variation of conditions to their visa.
  • New rule: Students must now apply for a new student visa if they change their provider or lower their study level.

This change closes previous loopholes and strengthens the integrity of New Zealand’s education system. It ensures that students are always on the correct visa for their current course and provider.

4. Parental and School Permission for Secondary Students

  • Secondary school students (Years 12 and 13) can now work up to 25 hours per week, but they must have permission from both their parents and their school.

This rule ensures that younger students balance their studies with work and have the support of their families and schools.

5. Increased Visa Fees

  • Student visa fee: NZ$750 (as of October 2024), up from NZ$375.
  • Post-study work visa fee: NZ$1,670, up from NZ$700.

These fee increases reflect the rising costs of processing visas and supporting international students. Students should plan for these higher costs when budgeting for their studies.


Actions Required for Students and Providers

For New Student Visa Applicants (from November 3, 2025):

  • No extra steps needed: Eligible students will automatically receive the new 25-hour per week work right when their visa is granted.

For Current Student Visa Holders (with 20-hour limit):

  • To access the 25-hour limit: Students must apply for a variation of conditions or a new student visa.
  • Application process: Submit the required forms and pay the standard visa fee (NZ$750 as of October 2024).
  • Timing: Students may choose to wait until their next visa renewal or after scheduled breaks if they already have full-time work rights during those periods.

For Students Changing Provider or Study Level:

  • Must apply for a new student visa: The previous option to simply vary conditions is no longer available.

For Secondary Students (Years 12 and 13):

  • Parental and school permission required: Students must provide evidence of this permission when applying for in-study work rights.

For All Applicants:


Implications for Pending and Current Applications

  • Pending applications: If your student visa is granted on or after November 3, 2025, you will receive the new 25-hour work right automatically.
  • Current visa holders: If you want to increase your work hours from 20 to 25 per week, you must apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa and pay the required fee.
  • Not all students will apply: Some students may not find it worthwhile to pay the extra fee, especially if they are close to graduation or already have full-time work rights during scheduled breaks.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

The New Zealand 🇳🇿 Government is making these changes to:

  • Attract more international students as other countries like Australia and the United States 🇺🇸 tighten their student visa policies.
  • Support the country’s economic goals: The government wants to double the annual economic contribution of international education from NZ$3.6 billion to NZ$7.2 billion by 2034.
  • Increase enrolments: The target is to grow international student numbers from 83,700 in 2024 to 119,000 by 2034.
  • Boost New Zealand’s global competitiveness in the international education market.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are part of a broader plan to revitalize New Zealand’s international education sector after the pandemic and to make the country a top choice for students worldwide.


Future Outlook and Additional Changes

1. Short-Term Work Visa for Vocational Graduates

  • Under consideration: Immigration New Zealand is looking at a new short-term work visa (up to six months) for certain vocational graduates who do not qualify for post-study work rights.
  • Purpose: This would allow these graduates to seek employment under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) pathway.
  • Status: Awaiting Cabinet approval, with more details expected later in 2025.

2. Streamlined Visa Processes

  • Goal: Make it easier for students to apply for multi-year visas and post-study work visas.
  • Expected improvements: Faster processing, less paperwork, and clearer guidance for students and education providers.

3. Targeted Recruitment

  • Education New Zealand will focus on countries with the highest growth potential to attract more students, especially as other countries introduce stricter rules.

Stakeholder Perspectives

  • Education Minister Erica Stanford says the government wants to “supercharge” international student growth, highlighting the importance of these changes for both economic and educational outcomes.
  • Universities and education providers support the changes, expecting more enrolments and a stronger global reputation.
  • Immigration lawyers and advisers point out the benefits for student finances and employability but stress the need for students to follow the new administrative rules.
  • Student associations welcome the increased work rights but are concerned about higher visa fees and the need for clear communication about the new requirements.

Practical Benefits for Students

  • More work hours mean more income: Students can better cover living expenses, tuition, and other costs.
  • Greater work experience: Students gain valuable skills and connections in the New Zealand 🇳🇿 job market, which can help with future job searches or post-study work visa applications.
  • Broader access: Even short-term and exchange students can now work, making New Zealand a more flexible and appealing destination.

Administrative and Compliance Considerations

  • Students must ensure they are on the correct visa for their course and provider, especially if they change schools or study levels.
  • Secondary students need proper permissions before starting work.
  • Visa fees are higher: Students should budget for these costs and plan their applications carefully.
  • Education providers must update their advice to students and ensure compliance with the new rules.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

  • Immigration New Zealand (INZ): Official website for the latest updates, forms, and guidance.
  • Ministry of Education: For information on approved courses and providers.
  • Licensed immigration advisers: For personalized advice and help with applications.
  • Student Visa Application Form (INZ 1012): Download here.

What Should Students Do Next?

  • If applying for a student visa after November 3, 2025: No extra steps are needed to get the 25-hour work right.
  • If you already have a student visa with a 20-hour limit: Decide if you want to apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to access the extra 5 hours. Consider the cost and your graduation date.
  • If you plan to change your provider or study level: Prepare to apply for a new student visa, not just a variation.
  • If you are a secondary student (Years 12 or 13): Get written permission from your parents and school before applying for in-study work rights.
  • Check the official Immigration New Zealand website regularly for updates and use only official forms for your applications.

Conclusion and Takeaways

The upcoming changes to New Zealand’s student visa work rights mark a big step forward for international students. With more hours to work, expanded eligibility, and clearer rules, students will have more opportunities and flexibility during their studies. However, higher visa fees and stricter administrative requirements mean students must plan carefully and stay informed.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the Immigration New Zealand website and consult with licensed immigration advisers if you have questions about your specific situation. By understanding these changes and taking the right steps, students can make the most of their time studying and working in New Zealand 🇳🇿.

Learn Today

Student visa → A permit allowing international students to study and work in New Zealand under specific conditions.
Work rights → The legal hours and conditions under which student visa holders can work during their studies.
Variation of conditions → A visa amendment to change certain visa terms without applying for a new visa.
Study Abroad programs → Short-term international education opportunities where students study at foreign institutions temporarily.
Post-study work visa → A visa allowing graduates to work in New Zealand after completing their studies for a set period.

This Article in a Nutshell

New Zealand’s updated student visa policy increases work rights to 25 hours weekly for all tertiary students. Changes from November 3, 2025, also require new visas when changing providers. Fees rise, but students gain work flexibility and experience, supporting economic growth and global competitiveness in international education.
— By VisaVerge.com

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Robert Pyne
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Robert Pyne, a Professional Writer at VisaVerge.com, brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique storytelling ability to the team. Specializing in long-form articles and in-depth analyses, Robert's writing offers comprehensive insights into various aspects of immigration and global travel. His work not only informs but also engages readers, providing them with a deeper understanding of the topics that matter most in the world of travel and immigration.
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