As of July 22, 2025, several countries have rolled out or are testing new regional visa programs and policy changes that give international students more time and flexibility to do internships. These changes aim to help students get real work experience, make it easier for them to join the workforce, and address local job shortages. Here’s a detailed update on what’s changed, who is affected, what actions students need to take, and what these changes mean for pending and future applications.
Summary of What Changed
Across South Korea 🇰🇷, New Zealand 🇳🇿, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Canada 🇨🇦, Australia 🇦🇺, and the United States 🇺🇸, governments have made important updates to their student and work visa rules. The main focus is on letting international students do longer internships, work more hours during their studies, and, in some cases, stay after graduation to work. These changes are part of a wider effort to attract and keep global talent, help students build careers, and fill gaps in local job markets.
South Korea: regional visa program trial (April 2025 – 2026)
South Korea 🇰🇷 launched a regional visa program trial in April 2025, running through 2026, across 14 cities and provinces. This program is especially important for international students because it lets local governments adjust the rules for the E-7 work visa and D-2 student visa. The goal is to match visa rules with the needs of local industries and job markets.
Key Changes for International Students:
– In five regions, the D-2 student visa now allows international students to do internships during the academic semester. Before, students could only intern during summer or winter breaks.
– In Seoul, select STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) students at eight top universities—including Seoul National University, Kookmin University, and Chung-Ang University—can now take up to two semesters off to do internships. This is a big change from the old rule, which only allowed internships during vacation and limited them to certain fields.
Who Is Affected:
– International students on the D-2 student visa in the five participating regions
– STEM students at the eight selected universities in Seoul
– Employers and industries in these regions looking for skilled interns
Effective Dates:
– The trial started in April 2025 and will run until the end of 2026.
Required Actions:
– Students should check if their university and region are part of the trial.
– Those interested in internships during the semester or taking time off for internships must apply through their university’s international office and follow the new visa rules.
– Employers should work with universities and local governments to offer internships that meet the new guidelines.
Implications for Pending Applications:
– Students who have already applied for internships or visa changes should contact their university to see if the new rules apply to them.
– New applicants should make sure they use the updated process and forms.
Why This Matters:
This trial makes it much easier for international students to get real work experience while studying, not just during breaks. It also helps local companies find skilled workers and may encourage more students to stay and work in South Korea 🇰🇷 after graduation. If successful, the program could become permanent and expand to more regions.
New Zealand: Work Rights Expansion for Student Visa Holders (Effective November 2025)
New Zealand 🇳🇿 is making it easier for international students to work while studying. Starting November 3, 2025, under the International Education Going for Growth Plan, the government will increase the number of hours students can work and expand who can get these work rights.
Key Changes:
– Work hours during term time will go up from 20 to 25 hours per week for tertiary students and secondary students in Years 12 and 13.
– In-study work rights will now include all tertiary students in approved exchange or Study Abroad programs, even those in one-semester courses.
– There are also new rules about what happens if students change schools or study levels.
Who Is Affected:
– All new and current international students on student visas
– Exchange and Study Abroad students
– Employers offering internships or part-time jobs
Effective Dates:
– Changes start on November 3, 2025.
Required Actions:
– Students should review their visa conditions and talk to their school’s international office to make sure they understand the new work limits.
– Those planning to do internships should check if their program is approved for the new work rights.
– Employers should confirm that student interns have the right visa and are following the new work hour rules.
Implications for Pending Applications:
– Students who have already applied for work rights or internships should check if the new rules apply to them.
– New applicants should use the updated guidelines and forms.
Why This Matters:
These changes give students more time to work and do internships, which can help with living costs and career development. It also makes New Zealand 🇳🇿 more attractive to international students looking for real-world experience.
United Kingdom: Graduate Visa Extension and Work Flexibility (2025)
The United Kingdom 🇬🇧 has extended its Graduate Visa, letting international students stay for two years after graduation to work in any job. This is a big help for those wanting to gain work experience or start a career in the UK.
Key Changes:
– International students can now stay for two years after finishing their studies to work in any field.
– Part-time work rules during studies have been relaxed, so students can do more regular part-time work, including internships.
Who Is Affected:
– International students graduating from UK universities
– Current students looking for internships or part-time jobs
– Employers seeking to hire recent graduates
Effective Dates:
– Changes are in effect throughout 2025.
Required Actions:
– Graduates should apply for the Graduate Visa before their student visa expires. The application can be made online through the UK Home Office.
– Students should check with their university about new part-time work rules.
Implications for Pending Applications:
– Students who have already applied for the Graduate Visa or internships should check if the new rules affect their application.
– New applicants should follow the updated process.
Why This Matters:
The Graduate Visa gives students more time to find a job and build a career in the UK. The relaxed work rules during study also make it easier to gain valuable experience.
Canada: Post-Graduation Work Permits and Skills Shortage Focus (2025)
Canada 🇨🇦 continues to offer strong post-study work options for international students. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets graduates stay and work for up to three years. There is also a focus on filling job shortages in healthcare and technology.
Key Changes:
– Graduates from approved universities can get a three-year work permit.
– The government is adjusting work permit rules to help fill shortages in healthcare and tech jobs.
– There is a growing focus on matching visa rules with regional job needs.
Who Is Affected:
– International students graduating from Canadian universities
– Employers in healthcare and technology
– Students in regions with specific job shortages
Effective Dates:
– Changes are in effect throughout 2025.
Required Actions:
– Graduates should apply for the PGWP as soon as they finish their studies. The application is available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
– Students should check if their field of study is in demand in their region.
Implications for Pending Applications:
– Students who have already applied for the PGWP should check if new rules help them.
– New applicants should use the latest guidelines.
Why This Matters:
The PGWP gives students a clear path to work and possibly become permanent residents. The focus on healthcare and tech helps fill important job gaps and gives students more options.
Australia: Regional Study and Work Visa Flexibility (2025)
Australia 🇦🇺 continues to offer flexible work options for international students, especially those studying in regional areas. The Student Visa Subclass 500 allows students to work more hours and makes it easier to get post-study work visas.
Key Changes:
– Students can work more hours during their studies.
– Those studying in regional areas get extra benefits, like longer post-study work rights and more flexible internships.
Who Is Affected:
– International students on Student Visa Subclass 500
– Students studying in regional Australia
– Employers in regional areas
Effective Dates:
– Changes are in effect throughout 2025.
Required Actions:
– Students should check if their school is in a regional area and what extra benefits they can get.
– Employers should confirm student work rights before offering internships.
Implications for Pending Applications:
– Students who have already applied for internships or work visas should check if the new rules apply.
– New applicants should use the latest process.
Why This Matters:
These changes make it easier for students to get real work experience and encourage them to study and work in regional Australia 🇦🇺, where there may be more job opportunities.
United States: Increased Scrutiny and Internship Program Details (2025)
The United States 🇺🇸 has increased checks on student visas, especially for students from China 🇨🇳 and Hong Kong in sensitive fields. At the same time, the U.S. Department of State offers a Student Internship Program, but it has strict rules.
Key Changes:
– The government will aggressively review and sometimes revoke student visas, especially for certain nationalities and fields.
– The Student Internship Program requires students to be enrolled and planning to return to school after the internship.
– Students must get work authorization, such as CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training), before starting internships. For more on these, visit the USCIS CPT and OPT page.
Who Is Affected:
– International students, especially from China 🇨🇳 and Hong Kong
– Students in sensitive fields like technology and engineering
– Employers offering internships
Effective Dates:
– Increased scrutiny started on May 28, 2025.
Required Actions:
– Students should work closely with their university’s international office to make sure they have the right visa and work authorization.
– Apply early for CPT or OPT, as these can take time to process.
– Employers must check that interns have the correct work permissions.
Implications for Pending Applications:
– Students waiting for visa approval or internship placement should expect more checks and possible delays.
– New applicants should be prepared for extra paperwork and security steps.
Why This Matters:
While there are still internship opportunities, the process is more complex and competitive. Some students may face extra hurdles, especially in certain fields or if they are from certain countries.
Summary Table of Key Regional Visa and Internship Policy Changes (2025)
| Country | Policy/Program Name | Key Changes for Internships | Effective Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea 🇰🇷 | Regional Visa Program Trial | Internships allowed during semester; 2-semester leave for STEM students in Seoul | April 2025 – 2026 trial | 14 regions; tailored visa conditions |
| New Zealand 🇳🇿 | International Education Going for Growth Plan | Work hours increased to 25/week; extended in-study work rights | November 3, 2025 | Applies to all new student visas |
| United Kingdom 🇬🇧 | Graduate Visa Extension | 2-year post-graduation work; relaxed part-time work restrictions | 2025 | Supports longer internships and work experience |
| Canada 🇨🇦 | Post-Graduation Work Permits | 3-year work permits; focus on healthcare/tech shortages | 2025 | Accelerated permanent residency pathways |
| Australia 🇦🇺 | Student Visa Subclass 500 | Flexible work hours; better regional post-study work | 2025 | Regional study incentives |
| United States 🇺🇸 | Increased Visa Scrutiny; Internship Programs | Heightened visa checks; CPT/OPT required for internships | May 28, 2025 onward | Security clearance needed; limited sponsorship |
Expert Perspectives and Stakeholder Views
- In South Korea 🇰🇷, local governments and universities hope the regional visa program will help keep talented students in their regions and fill job gaps, especially in STEM fields. Industry leaders like the flexibility to hire interns year-round.
- New Zealand 🇳🇿 officials say the new work hours help students support themselves and get valuable experience, while also meeting local job needs.
- In the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and Canada 🇨🇦, experts stress that post-study work rights are key to attracting and keeping international talent. Internships are seen as a vital step for students to move into full-time jobs.
- In the United States 🇺🇸, some policy experts warn that tougher visa checks could make the country less attractive to international students, especially in sensitive fields. The internship process is also seen as complex and competitive.
Practical Steps for International Students Seeking Longer Internships
If you’re an international student hoping to take advantage of these new rules, here’s what you should do:
- Check Eligibility: Find out if your school or region is part of a regional visa program, like the one in South Korea 🇰🇷.
- Consult Your University’s International Office: They can help with visa changes, work authorization (like CPT/OPT in the U.S.), and internship approvals.
- Apply Early: Visa changes and internship approvals can take time. Start your application process well before your planned internship.
- Understand Work Hour Limits: Know how many hours you can work during the term and during breaks, based on your visa.
- Secure Necessary Authorizations: Make sure you have the right work permissions before starting any internship.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with government updates, as rules can change quickly.
Official Resources and Contacts
- South Korea Ministry of Justice: For regional visa program details and updates.
- Immigration New Zealand (INZ): For work rights and visa condition changes.
- UK Home Office: For Graduate Visa and student work policies.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): For PGWP and work permit rules.
- Australian Department of Home Affairs: For Student Visa Subclass 500 and regional incentives.
- U.S. Department of State: For student internship programs.
- USCIS CPT and OPT: For work authorization details.
Implications for Pending and Future Applications
If you have already applied for a visa, internship, or work permit, check with your university or the relevant government office to see if the new rules apply to you. For new applications, make sure you use the latest forms and follow the updated process. Some programs, like South Korea’s regional visa program, are still in a trial phase, so rules may change again after 2026.
Conclusion and Next Steps
These updates to regional visa programs and work policies are designed to help international students get more out of their study experience. By allowing longer and more flexible internships, countries like South Korea 🇰🇷, New Zealand 🇳🇿, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Canada 🇨🇦, Australia 🇦🇺, and the United States 🇺🇸 are making it easier for students to gain real-world skills and start their careers.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes are likely to make these countries even more popular with international students, while also helping local industries find the skilled workers they need. If you’re an international student, now is a good time to review your options, talk to your university, and plan your next steps.
For the most current and official information, always check the relevant government websites, such as the South Korea Ministry of Justice, before making any decisions about your visa or internship plans.
Learn Today
D-2 student visa → South Korea’s visa category for international students allowing study and limited work opportunities.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) → U.S. authorization enabling students to engage in internships related to their academic program.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) → Canada’s work permit allowing graduates to work up to three years after finishing studies.
Student Visa Subclass 500 → Australian visa allowing international students to study and work under regulated conditions regionally.
Graduate Visa → UK visa permitting international graduates to work for two years post-study in any field.
This Article in a Nutshell
From South Korea’s regional visa trials to New Zealand’s work hours increase, international students gain more internship flexibility worldwide, improving career prospects and filling job market gaps effectively in multiple countries by 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
