NZ 2026 Student Visa Updates: 25-Hour Work, In-Study Rights

International students will soon be allowed to work more in New Zealand, with the government confirming a major shift to in‑study work rights as part of the International Education Going for Growth Plan. From November 3, 2025, eligible secondary and tertiary students on a student visa can work up to 25 hours per week during academic terms, up from 20 hours.

The change applies to all student visas approved on or after that date, even if the application was lodged earlier. Current visa holders with a 20‑hour limit will need either a variation of conditions or a new visa to access the extra hours, and standard immigration fees will apply.

Purpose and expected benefit

Immigration New Zealand says the move is aimed at giving students more financial breathing room while they study and at helping the sector grow in 2026 and beyond.

• Officials note an extra five hours of part‑time work could mean more than NZ$100 extra each week for many students, helping with rent, food, and transport.
• Analysis by VisaVerge.com says the shift to 25 hours brings New Zealand closer to work‑settings used by other study destinations, while keeping checks through provider and program rules.

The intent is to support students financially and make New Zealand more competitive as a study destination, while maintaining education quality and risk controls.

Who gains access — and conditions

• All tertiary students on approved exchange and Study Abroad programs — including one‑semester participants — will be eligible for in‑study work where other conditions are met.
• Secondary (Year 12–13) students remain subject to tighter rules: they must have both parental and school permission to work, and that requirement continues under the 25‑hour limit.
• Students who change education provider or reduce their level of study must apply for a new visa, not a variation of conditions. Immigration New Zealand says this preserves education standards and helps manage risk.
• Providers and agents must update advice so students plan ahead if they intend to move between courses or institutions.

Numbers and operational readiness

Officials estimate there are about 40,987 student visa holders with in‑study work rights at present:

• 29,790 visas expire on or before March 31, 2026
• 11,197 expire after that date

Not everyone will immediately change their conditions—many are finishing or will wait until the next visa application—but the potential applicant pool is large. Processing systems are being prepared for a busy period from late 2025 into early 2026.

Policy changes overview (key points)

1. From November 3, 2025, the in‑term cap rises to 25 hours per week for eligible secondary and tertiary students.
2. All tertiary exchange and Study Abroad students, including one‑semester participants, gain access to in‑study work (subject to program approval).
3. Students switching providers or moving to a lower level of study must get a new visa rather than using a variation of conditions.
4. Year 12–13 students must continue to secure parental and school permission for any in‑study work up to 25 hours.
5. Existing holders with a 20‑hour condition can apply for a variation or seek a new visa to gain the higher cap; fees apply.

Application systems and timing

Immigration New Zealand has already begun system updates to support these changes.

• Since August 18, 2025, all international student visa applications moved to the upgraded Immigration Online platform known as ADEPT.
• ADEPT offers clearer guidance, real‑time status updates, and a more tailored application flow.
• While form completion may take a little longer, overall processing is expected to speed up because fewer applications will be bounced back for missing information.

Practical timing advice:

• Prospective students are urged to apply about three months before intended travel.
• The peak processing window runs from October to March; lodging early reduces stress.
• Very early applicants (six months+ ahead) may receive approval in principle, allowing them to finalize study confirmation and payments closer to the start date while keeping their place in the queue.

Impact on applicants, providers, and employers

• Students can plan for higher weekly income and build more local work experience, which helps with internships and references.
• Employers gain a larger pool of part‑time workers, including exchange and Study Abroad students who were previously excluded in some cases.
• Education providers must update handbooks and orientation to reflect the new rules—especially the requirement to apply for a new visa when study plans change.

For current students who want the extra hours now, the main route is a variation of conditions via Immigration New Zealand’s online services. If a student is close to renewal or planning to change programs soon, applying for a new visa may be more practical. The best option depends on timing, course plans, and how much the extra five hours matter this term.

Future possibilities (under review)

Officials are exploring additional changes subject to Cabinet approval, including:

• A short‑term work visa for some vocational graduates
• More streamlined steps across visa categories

These ideas remain under review and are not yet in effect.

Practical tips (summary)

• Budget with the 25‑hour cap in mind, but be realistic about local job availability and study load.
• Keep written permission if you’re a Year 12 or 13 student; employers may ask for proof.
• If you plan to switch providers or levels, factor in time and cost for a new visa (not a simple condition change).
• Apply early, especially between October and March, to avoid peak‑time delays.

For many families, the extra five hours can make studying abroad more affordable—covering groceries or transport—while still keeping study as the main focus. At the same time, the new requirement to apply for a new visa when study plans change encourages careful planning and discussion with advisors.

Where to find official information and next steps

• For official policy details and application guidance, see the student visa information on Immigration New Zealand.
• To request a change to your existing visa so you can work up to 25 hours, use the online process for a variation of conditions.
• To start a new student visa application, use the Immigration Online portal: apply for a student visa.

Officials stress these reforms fit within the International Education Going for Growth Plan announced on July 14, 2025. The ADEPT system, approval‑in‑principle option, and clearer work rules are designed to work together: better guidance at the start, fewer mid‑process errors, and conditions that reflect student needs while in New Zealand.

Education agents and employers say the clarity helps: students know the cap is 25 hours, schools know when a new visa is required, and employers can schedule part‑time shifts with confidence. The test ahead is how smoothly the upgraded systems handle demand and how quickly students receive decisions during the upcoming peak months.