New Zealand Visa Policy Update Strengthens Global Study Destination Status

New Zealand has instituted student visa reforms capable of posing major claims to its competitive status as a study destination internationally. Officials pointed out that the reforms intend to empower international students in managing their finances better, in response to the needs of the country's workforce and the sustainability of the international education sector in the long run.

Starting 3 November 2025, international students can now work up to 25 hours during term time, when the former limit of 20 hours had long prevailed. Students currently holding visas bearing the 20-hour condition may apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to benefit from this increase in hours allowed for work status. This is in line with New Zealand's deliberate effort to ensure study opportunities are set against the reality of employment needs within a New Zealand student visa framework.

Full work rights during scheduled academic breaks remain unchanged: students whose visas allow for full-time work during holiday breaks can continue to work under the same rules, with some variation available for application after the summer break as long as visas are valid. Parental permission and school approval will still be a requisite for working during term time for students in secondary school Years 12 and 13.

According to data from the authorities, 40,987 students currently hold visas with in-study work rights attached to them. Out of these, 29,790 visas will expire before March 2026, while 11,197 will remain valid after that date. Immigration New Zealand speculated that many students will probably wait for the next visa renewal instead of paying the NZD 325 for a variation, as such students would rather avoid paying to access the additional hours. Thus, the transition to 25 hours could very well take place gradually. This change is also part of the new comprehensive New Zealand visa policy update, announcing how international students will be reshaped concerning part-time work. The reforms also introduced clearer rules for students who switch their education provider to a different one, or for those who switch to a lower study level.

In this regard, the authorities have confirmed that these students must now make an application for a fresh New Zealand student visa, instead of merely changing conditions. Cases not in the control of a student, such as the sudden closure of an institution, might receive exemptions. Besides students, extension also applies to other categories. Other groups that were also included in the resizing to 25 hours per week were the dependent child visitor visa holders and the Skilled Migrant Category Interim visa holders.

Immigration New Zealand called for applicants to access its official website for the INZ 1020 Variation of Conditions form if they intend to make an application regarding this extension. These changes represent New Zealand's commitment to rebalancing its international education ecosystem. With expanded work rights tied to clarified visa requirements, the government seeks to better accommodate students while addressing employer needs and enhancing global competitiveness. According to reports, the reforms would allow for higher flexibility and clearer pathways, which would make things more attractive and stable for learners and the wider workforce.

Editor’s Note:

The latest reforms in relation to the student visa framework of New Zealand turn out to be a significant milestone in international education policy for the country. The government confirmed that with the current measure of extending part-time work rights, from 20 to 25 hours per week during term time, it has deliberately aligned study opportunities with workforce needs and provided more financial flexibility to international students. This is part of the more general visa policy update for New Zealand. It does not just reshape the conditions that apply to international students but also fleshes out the process of switching between providers or levels of study. This is aimed at tightening accountability and ensuring visa conditions remain in step with the country's education standards. With nearly 41,000 students holding visas with in-study work rights, the reforms are going to have a gradual but real impact. It is doubtful that many students will pay for a variation instead of waiting until their next visa renewal, Immigration New Zealand said, suggesting a phased approach to the new limit. Most importantly, the extension of work rights has also been applied to dependent child visitor visa holders and Skilled Migrant Category Interim visa holders, and it must be said that these moves clearly signal a wider attempt at redress for the whole international education ecosystem.

Skoobuzz believes that these new developments will therefore remind the world of New Zealand's commitment to remain competitive as a global study destination. By providing more rights to work and clearer pathways, it hopes to develop a more stable and attractive environment for learners to meet demands from employers while providing support for the long-term sustainability of international education.

FAQs

Q1. What is the new student work limit in New Zealand for 2025?

From 3 November 2025, eligible international students can work up to 25 hours per week during term time. This replaces the long‑standing 20‑hour limit under the New Zealand student visa framework.

Q2. How many international students are affected by the new rules?

Official figures show that 40,987 students currently hold visas with work rights. Of these, 29,790 visas will expire before March 2026, while 11,197 remain valid beyond that date. Immigration New Zealand expects many students to wait until their next visa renewal rather than pay the NZD 325 fee for a variation, meaning the transition to 25 hours may be gradual.

Q3. Are full‑time work rights during holidays changing?

No, full‑time work rights during scheduled academic breaks remain unchanged. Students whose visas already allow full‑time work during holidays can continue under the same rules. Secondary school students in Years 12 and 13 will still need parental and school approval to work during term time.

Q4. What are the new immigration rules for students changing courses or providers?

Students who change their education provider or lower their level of study must now apply for a new New Zealand student visa rather than simply adjusting existing conditions. Exceptions may be granted in cases outside the student’s control, such as the sudden closure of an institution.

Q5. Who else benefits from the expanded work rights?

The increase to 25 hours per week has also been extended to dependent child visitor visa holders and Skilled Migrant Category Interim visa holders. Eligible applicants can apply for the extension using the INZ 1020 Variation of Conditions form available on the official Immigration New Zealand website.

Q6. How does New Zealand’s work policy affect student visas and competitiveness?

The reforms are part of a broader New Zealand visa policy update aimed at rebalancing the international education ecosystem. By expanding work rights and clarifying visa requirements, the government seeks to support students, meet employer needs, and enhance global competitiveness. These changes are expected to create a more stable and attractive environment for learners and the wider workforce.

Q7. Can Indian students work part‑time in New Zealand under the new rules?

Yes, Indian students studying in New Zealand are eligible for the same expanded work rights as other international students. They can now work up to 25 hours per week during term time and full‑time during scheduled academic breaks, provided their visas include these conditions.