The first change concerns those who want to work part-time during their studies.
On Monday, July 14, 2025, the Government of New Zealand introduced the International Education Going for Growth Plan. As part of this plan, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will implement several immigration rule changes to support sustainable growth, attract more international students, maintain high education standards, and manage immigration-related risks.
Changes starting from November 2025
Beginning in November 2025, INZ will introduce the following changes:
- Increase in work hours allowed for student visa holders from 20 to 25 hours per week;
- Expanded work rights during studies for all university students enrolled in approved exchange or Study Abroad programs, including one-semester courses;
- A clarified rule: if a student changes their education provider or lowers their level of study, they must apply for a new student visa, not just a variation of their existing one.
More Work Hours for Student Visa Holders
From November 3, 2025, university students and senior high school students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic semester — an increase from the current 20-hour limit. This rule applies to all new student visas issued from that date, even if the visa application was submitted earlier.
If you already hold a student visa with a 20-hour limit and wish to work up to 25 hours per week, you will need to apply for a variation of conditions or get a new student visa.
Other proposed changes
Pending Cabinet approval, INZ is also considering:
- Introducing a new short-term work visa for certain vocational graduates;
- Simplifying visa processes for international students.
Further details will be announced later.
About the International Education Growth Plan
Launched in July 2025, the International Education Going for Growth Plan outlines the government’s strategy to double the value of international education from NZD 3.6 billion in 2024 to NZD 7.2 billion by 2034.
International education has been identified as a key sector in the Going for Growth economic strategy.
The plan includes marketing initiatives by Education New Zealand, as well as a range of short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures to grow the international education sector and establish New Zealand as a top-choice destination for students from around the world.
Source: official Immigration New Zealand website
Please, be reminded that professional education remains the most reliable way of immigration to New Zealand.
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