New Zealand raises student work limit to 25 hrs/week from Nov 3

International students in New Zealand can work up to 25 hours per week during semesters, up from the earlier 20-hour cap, after Immigration New Zealand (INZ) brought the change into effect on 3 November 2025. The revised limit applies to eligible tertiary and secondary students and is part of New Zealand’s wider push to grow international education.

INZ has clarified that the 25-hour limit applies to all new student visas granted from 3 November 2025, even if the visa application was submitted earlier. Students already holding visas with a 20-hour condition must apply for a Variation of Conditions (or a new student visa) to access the extra five hours.

Key changes announced

INZ’s announcement (published 21 October 2025) listed four immigration updates effective 3 November 2025:

• In-study work hours increased from 20 to 25 hours/week for eligible students.
• Work rights extended to all tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including one-semester courses.
• Provider/change clarification: if students change education provider or lower level of study, they will generally need to apply for a new student visa, not just a variation.
• Work hours also increased from 20 to 25 for eligible holders of dependent child visitor visas and Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visas with part-time work rights.

For school students in Years 12 and 13, INZ says parental and school permission remains required for in-study work rights, and this requirement continues under the 25-hour rule.

What this means for Indian students?

For Indian students budgeting for living costs, the additional five hours can improve weekly earnings potential—but only if the student’s visa conditions allow it. New Zealand’s government guidance reiterates that the 25-hour cap is for eligible student visa holders studying full-time and meeting course criteria; students must check their specific conditions.

INZ also provided a snapshot of scale: it reported 40,987 student visa holders had in-study work rights at the time of the announcement, and noted many may choose to wait until their next visa renewal rather than pay to vary conditions.

Costs and process: Variation of Conditions

Students with an existing 20-hour condition who want 25 hours must apply for a Variation of Conditions (or a new student visa). INZ states the fee for a variation is NZD 325, regardless of the system the visa was issued in.

INZ also linked the change to system updates introduced in 2025, including the move to an enhanced online application environment for student visas (relevant for students managing changes to their visa conditions).

Policy context: New Zealand’s international education growth plan

INZ explicitly tied these immigration changes to the government’s International Education Going for Growth Plan. The Ministry of Education says this plan (launched July 2025) aims to double the value of international education from $3.6 billion (2024) to $7.2 billion by 2034.

Next steps

• Check your visa conditions (20 vs 25 hours) and whether you need a Variation of Conditions to access the extra five hours.
• If you plan to change provider or downgrade study level, note INZ’s guidance that a new student visa is generally required.