Overview
- The change took effect on November 3, allowing eligible tertiary and some secondary students to work up to 25 hours per week during term, with the higher limit applied to all new visas issued from that date.
- Tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including one‑semester courses, now receive in‑study work rights.
- Most current visa holders must apply online for a variation of conditions or a new student visa to access the extra five hours, with a variation application fee of NZD 325 via INZ 1020.
- Immigration data show 40,987 students have in‑study work rights, with 29,790 visas expiring by March 31, 2026 and 11,197 later, indicating many may wait until renewal to add the new condition.
- Rules now generally require a new visa when changing providers or lowering study level, and part‑time work limits also rise to 25 hours for dependent child visitor and Skilled Migrant Category interim visa holders.