New Zealand – July 14, 2025 – Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced significant updates to its student visa work policies, effective November 3, 2025. These changes, part of the "International Education Going for Growth Plan," aim to sustainably expand the sector, attract more international students, and uphold educational quality.
In November 2025, INZ will be:
Increasing the number of hours eligible students can work while holding a student visa, from 20 to 25 hours a week
Extending eligibility for in-study work rights to all tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including 1-semester courses
Clarifying that if you change your education provider or lower your level of study, you will need to apply for a new student visa, not just a variation of conditions.