Student Work Hours Increasing to 25 Hours per Week from November 2025

Great news for international students in New Zealand — from 3 November 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will increase the permitted number of work hours for eligible student visa holders from 20 to 25 hours per week during academic terms.

This is part of New Zealand’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the international education sector while improving the financial and practical outcomes for students.

What's changing?

Starting 3 November 2025:

Student visa holders will be able to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic term (previously 20).

This update will automatically apply to all student visas granted on or after that date, even if the application was submitted earlier.

Who's Eligible?

INZ is also expanding the categories of students eligible for in-study work rights:

Tertiary-level exchange and Study Abroad students, including those enrolled in one-semester programs, will now qualify.

Senior secondary students (Years 12 and 13) will be eligible to work up to 25 hours per week — but only if they have: Written permission from a parent or guardian, and Written consent from their school. What If You Already Hold a Student Visa? If your current student visa was issued before 3 November 2025 and only allows 20 hours of work per week, the new rule won’t apply automatically.

To benefit from the increase, you’ll need to:

Apply for a variation of conditions, or

Apply for a new student visa. Need Help Navigating the Change?

If you're unsure whether you're eligible or you need help applying for a variation of conditions, we're here to help.