🇳🇿 Major Update: New Zealand Increases Student Visa Work Hours to 25 from November 2025

Student Visa News
Written By Navdeep Singh

🇳🇿 Major Update: New Zealand Increases Student Visa Work Hours to 25 from November 2025

Published: 14 July 2025 | Source: Immigration New Zealand

The New Zealand Government has introduced important changes to its student visa work rights under the International Education Going for Growth Plan. These updates will significantly benefit international students from India looking to study and work in New Zealand.

From 3 November 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will implement the following student visa changes:

✅ Student Visa Work Hours Increased to 25 per Week Students holding eligible New Zealand student visas will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic semester — an increase from the current 20-hour limit.

Applies to all new student visas issued from 3 November 2025, regardless of the application date.

Current student visa holders must apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to benefit from the additional work hours.

Full-time work during semester breaks (e.g., summer holidays) remains unchanged for students with that condition in their visas.

✅ Work Rights Extended to Exchange & Study Abroad Students Students participating in approved tertiary-level exchange or Study Abroad programmes, even for just one semester, will now be eligible to work during their studies in New Zealand. This change will help short-term Indian students earn income and gain valuable international work experience.

✅ Changing Education Provider or Course Level Now Requires New Visa If you change your education provider or lower your level of study in New Zealand, you will now need to apply for a new student visa. This replaces the previous rule, where a variation of conditions might have been enough.

💡 Tip for Indian students: Always consult a licensed immigration adviser before switching institutions or changing your course level.

✅ Rules for School Students Remain

For secondary school students (Years 12 and 13), the increased 25-hour work limit also applies. However, students must continue to provide:

Parental consent, and School approval

These permissions remain mandatory despite the increase in weekly working hours.

📊 What This Means for Indian Students

There are currently over 40,000 student visa holders in New Zealand with in-study work rights. These changes will offer Indian students:

  • Greater financial flexibility
  • Real-world Kiwi work experience
  • A more supportive study-work balance

Students nearing graduation may opt to wait for their next visa renewal to include these changes and avoid variation fees.

🔜 Future Updates Coming

  • Immigration New Zealand is also considering:
  • A short-term post-study work visa for vocational graduates
  • A faster, streamlined visa process for international applicants
  • Further announcements will be made once confirmed.

🎓 Need Help Applying or Upgrading Your Student Visa?

  • At Kiwiana Immigration, we help Indian students:
  • Apply for new or updated New Zealand student visas
  • Secure work rights and variation of conditions
  • Understand immigration changes and education pathways

✅ Book your free consultation now and stay ahead of immigration changes.

Navdeep Singh