Overview
- The rule took effect on November 3 and applies to all new student visas, while current 20-hour holders must seek a variation or a new visa to use the extra hours.
- Applications can be lodged through Immigration New Zealand’s online systems or the INZ 1020 form, with a NZD 325 fee for a variation of conditions.
- In-study work rights now extend to tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including one-semester courses.
- Part-time work limits for dependent child visitor visa holders and Skilled Migrant Category Interim visa holders have also risen to 25 hours per week.
- Officials report 40,987 student visas with work rights and expect gradual uptake, and they have clarified that changing providers or lowering study level generally requires a new visa with narrow exceptions.