Good News for Students: Increased Work Hours on NZ Student Visas

Key Takeaways

• Starting November 3, 2025, student visa holders in New Zealand can work 25 hours weekly during term time.
• Exchange, Study Abroad, and secondary students in Years 12-13 gain expanded work rights under new policy.
• Existing visa holders must apply for a variation or new visa to access extra 5 work hours.

If you’re planning to study and work in New Zealand, the latest changes to student visa rules bring some important updates that could shape your experience. The government’s new International Education: Going for Growth Plan aims to make New Zealand more welcoming and competitive for international students, while also supporting the country’s economy and labor needs. Here’s a step-by-step look at what these changes mean for you, how to apply, what to expect at each stage, and practical tips for making the most of your time as a student in New Zealand.

Understanding the New Policy: What’s Changed and Why

On July 14–15, 2025, the New Zealand government announced major reforms to student visa work rights. The most important change is that, starting November 3, 2025, eligible student visa holders can work up to 25 hours per week during term time—an increase from the previous 20-hour limit. This applies to all new student visas granted from that date, no matter when you applied. If you already have a student visa, you can access the extra hours by applying for a variation of conditions or a new visa, but you’ll need to pay the usual immigration fees.

The changes are part of the International Education: Going for Growth Plan, which aims to double the economic value of New Zealand’s international education sector to $7.2 billion by 2034. The government wants to attract more students, especially as other countries like the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦 have made their student visa rules stricter. The reforms are also designed to keep education standards high and manage immigration risks.

Who Benefits from the New Rules?

The new policy expands work rights for several groups:

• All tertiary students (university, polytechnic, and other higher education students) with new student visas from November 3, 2025, can work up to 25 hours per week during term time.
• Exchange and Study Abroad students, including those on one-semester programs, are now eligible for in-study work rights. This is a big change, as these students often had limited or no work rights before.
• Secondary school students in Years 12 and 13 can also work up to 25 hours per week, but they still need permission from their parents and school.
• Full-time work during scheduled academic breaks (like summer holidays) remains allowed for those whose visas already permit it.

As of July 2025, there are 40,987 student visa holders with in-study work rights in New Zealand. Of these, 29,790 visas will expire on or before March 31, 2026, and 11,197 will expire after that date. Not everyone will apply for the extra five hours right away—some may wait until their next visa renewal, especially if they’re close to finishing their studies.

Step-by-Step: The Student Visa Process and What to Expect

Let’s walk through the entire journey, from applying for your student visa to working in New Zealand under the new rules.

1. Preparing to Apply: What You Need

Before you start your application, make sure you have all the required documents and meet the eligibility criteria. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A valid passport (make sure it’s valid for the length of your intended stay)
• An offer of place from a New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)-approved institution
• Proof of tuition payment or ability to pay
• Proof of funds: You must show you have at least NZD 20,000 per year for living costs
• English language proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL scores, if required by your institution)
• Health and travel insurance
• A Statement of Purpose explaining why you want to study in New Zealand
• Medical and police certificates (if requested)

You can find the official student visa application form and detailed requirements on the Immigration New Zealand website.

Estimated Timeframe:
Gathering documents can take 2–4 weeks, depending on your situation and how quickly you can get your offer of place and financial proof.

2. Submitting Your Application

Once you have all your documents, you can apply online through the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) portal. Double-check that your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays.

What Happens Next:
– INZ will review your application and may ask for more information.
– Processing times vary, but most student visa applications are decided within 4–8 weeks.
– You’ll receive a decision by email or through your online account.

Estimated Timeframe:
4–8 weeks for processing, but it can be faster or slower depending on demand and your individual case.

3. Receiving Your Student Visa

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a student visa that allows you to study at your chosen institution. For visas granted from November 3, 2025, your visa will automatically allow you to work up to 25 hours per week during term time. If you’re an exchange or Study Abroad student, or a secondary school student (Years 12–13) with the right permissions, you’ll also benefit from the new work rights.

What to Check:
– Make sure your visa lists the correct work conditions.
– If you plan to work during scheduled breaks, check that your visa allows full-time work during these periods.

4. Arriving in New Zealand

When you arrive, you’ll need to show your visa and supporting documents at the border. You may also be asked about your study plans and financial situation.

Tips for Arrival:
– Keep copies of your offer of place, proof of funds, and insurance handy.
– Be ready to explain your study plans if asked by border officials.

5. Starting Your Studies and Working

Once you’ve started your course, you can begin working up to 25 hours per week during term time (if your visa was granted from November 3, 2025, or you’ve updated your visa). Many students find part-time jobs in hospitality, retail, or other service industries.

What You Need to Do:
– Get an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number so you can be paid legally.
– Make sure your employer knows your work hour limits and visa conditions.
– Balance your work and study commitments—your main purpose in New Zealand is to study.

Full-Time Work During Breaks:
If your visa allows, you can work full-time during scheduled academic breaks. This is a great way to earn extra money and gain more work experience.

6. If You Want to Work More Hours (Existing Visa Holders)

If you already have a student visa that only allows 20 hours per week, you need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to access the extra five hours. You can do this online through the INZ website. Standard immigration fees apply.

• Variation of Conditions Form: Apply for a variation of conditions
• Estimated Timeframe: 2–4 weeks for processing, but times may vary.

If your visa is expiring soon, you might choose to wait and apply for a new visa with the updated work rights.

7. Changing Your Education Provider or Study Level

If you decide to change your education provider (for example, switching universities) or reduce your level of study (such as moving from a degree to a diploma), you must apply for a new student visa. You cannot simply apply for a variation of conditions in these cases. This is to make sure students are following the rules and not misusing their visas.

What to Do:
– Submit a new student visa application with your updated offer of place and other required documents.
– Wait for approval before starting your new course.

8. What to Expect from Authorities

Immigration New Zealand is responsible for processing your visa, handling variations of conditions, and making sure students and employers follow the rules. They may check your work hours and employer details, especially if you apply for a variation or new visa. Education providers also play a role in supporting international students and reporting any issues.

If You Need Help:
– Contact INZ through their official website or helpline.
– Your education provider’s international office can also offer support.
– For complex cases, you might consider advice from a licensed immigration adviser.

9. Practical Tips and Common Questions

How do I find a job?
– Many universities and polytechnics have job boards or career services.
– Popular part-time jobs include working in cafes, shops, or as tutors.
– Always check that your employer understands your visa conditions.

What if I work more than my allowed hours?
– Working more than your visa allows is a breach of your visa conditions and can lead to your visa being cancelled.
– Employers who let students work more than allowed can also face penalties.

Do these changes affect post-study work rights?
– The current announcement is about in-study work rights only. Post-study work visa options remain unchanged as of July 2025, but more changes may be announced in the future.

Are there any jobs I can’t do?
– You must follow New Zealand labor laws and your work must be legal. Some jobs may have extra requirements (like working with children or in certain industries).

How do I apply for a variation of conditions?
– Use the INZ variation of conditions form and pay the required fee.

What if I have a problem at work?
– If you feel you’re being treated unfairly, talk to your education provider or contact the New Zealand Labour Inspectorate.

10. Looking Ahead: Future Changes and What to Watch For

Immigration New Zealand is considering more changes, such as a new short-term work visa for certain vocational graduates and making visa processes simpler. These ideas are still being discussed and may be announced in late 2025 or early 2026.

The government will keep reviewing how the new rules affect students, education quality, and the job market. They may make more changes based on feedback and evidence.

Where to Get Official Information

• Immigration New Zealand (INZ): Official website for visa applications, forms, and updates.
• New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA): NZQA website for information on approved institutions.
• Education New Zealand: Education New Zealand for resources and support.
• Ministry of Education: Ministry of Education for policy and student support.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these reforms are expected to make New Zealand a more attractive destination for international students, especially as other countries tighten their rules. The extra work hours can help students manage living costs and gain valuable experience, while also supporting local businesses that need part-time workers.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• If you’re applying for a student visa from November 3, 2025, you’ll automatically get up to 25 hours of work per week during term time.
• Exchange, Study Abroad, and eligible secondary school students now have expanded work rights.
• Existing visa holders can apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to access the extra hours.
• Changing your education provider or study level means you must apply for a new visa.
• Full-time work during scheduled breaks remains allowed if your visa permits it.
• Stay updated by checking the official Immigration New Zealand website for the latest information and forms.

By following these steps and keeping up with the latest rules, you can make the most of your study and work experience in New Zealand. The new International Education: Going for Growth Plan is designed to support students, education providers, and employers alike, while keeping the focus on quality and fairness for everyone involved.

Learn Today

Student Visa → A permit allowing international students to study and work part-time in New Zealand during academic periods.
Variation of Conditions → An official application to change the terms of an existing visa, such as work hours allowed.
NZQA → New Zealand Qualifications Authority that accredits educational institutions approved for student visas.
In-study Work Rights → Permission for international students to work limited hours during their academic term.
Immigration New Zealand → Government agency responsible for processing visas and enforcing immigration laws.

This Article in a Nutshell

New Zealand raises student visa work hours to 25 weekly from November 2025 to support students financially. This benefits exchange and secondary students and requires existing visa holders to update their status for extra work hours.
— By VisaVerge.com