Increased Work Rights for Student Visa Holders – Effective 3 November 2025
From 3 November 2025, student visa holders will be able to work up to 25 hours per week. This update delivers on the Government’s International Education Going for Growth Plan announced in July 2025.
What’s Changing
More work hours for eligible students
- Secondary and tertiary students can now work up to 25 hours per week during term time — an increase from the current 20-hour limit.
- The change applies to all new student visas granted from 3 November, even if the application was lodged before that date.
- Current visa holders must apply for a variation of conditions or a new student visa to access the additional hours.
- Full-time work rights during scheduled breaks remain unchanged.
Expanded work rights for exchange and Study Abroad students
- All tertiary students participating in an approved exchange or Study Abroad programme will now have in-study work rights.
More work hours for certain dependent visa holders
- Dependent child visitor visa holders awaiting residence outcomes (who have completed school), and Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa holders, can now work up to 25 hours per week, up from 20 hours.
How to Apply for the Additional Work Hours
Current Student Visa Holders
- If your visa allows up to 20 hours of work per week or you’re a tertiary student on an approved exchange or Study Abroad programme, you can apply online for a variation of conditions from 3 November 2025.
Other Eligible Visa Holders
- Apply using a paper-based Variation of Conditions form.
These updates give students greater flexibility to support themselves financially and gain valuable New Zealand work experience while studying.
Source: Immigration New Zealand