Overview
- Effective November 3, eligible tertiary and secondary students may work up to 25 hours per week during term, with the higher limit applying to all new student visas granted from that date.
- Current visa holders with a 20‑hour condition must apply for a variation or a new student visa to use the extra hours, with an application fee of NZD 325.
- In‑study work rights now extend to approved tertiary exchange and one‑semester Study Abroad participants to make short‑stay programmes more attractive.
- Part‑time work limits for dependent child visitor visa holders and Skilled Migrant Category Interim visa holders have increased from 20 to 25 hours per week.
- Officials reported 40,987 student visas with in‑study work rights, with 29,790 expiring by March 31, 2026, and clarified that changing providers or lowering study level generally requires a new student visa.