What You Need to Know
New Zealand is introducing important changes to student visa work rights, set to take effect from November 2025. These updates will impact how many hours students can work during their studies and their post-study opportunities.
At Extreme Performance Travel Consult, we stay updated on the latest immigration policies to help you plan your study journey effectively. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming changes.
Key Changes to Student Visa Work Rights (Effective November 2025)
1. Increased Work Hours During Study
- Current Policy: 20 hours per week during semesters
- New Policy (From November 2025): 25 hours per week during semesters
- Full-time work rights remain during scheduled breaks (summer/winter holidays)
Who Benefits?
✔ Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students
✔ Diploma students in skill shortage areas
✖ English language students (unless in university pathway programs)
🔗 Official Source: Immigration NZ Work Rights
2. Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) Updates
While work rights are expanding, the Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) rules remain mostly unchanged:
- Bachelor’s/Master’s graduates: Up to 3 years
- Diploma graduates: 1–2 years (depending on qualification level)
- Must have a job offer related to field of study for PSWV eligibility
🔗 More on PSWV: INZ Post-Study Work Visa
3. Focus on Skill Shortage Occupations
Students studying in Green List occupations (healthcare, engineering, IT, construction) will have:
✅ Faster visa processing
✅ Smoother pathway to residency
🔗 Check Green List Jobs: NZ Green List Occupations
Why Are These Changes Happening?
The New Zealand government aims to:
✔ Help students manage living costs with extra work hours
✔ Encourage skilled migration in high-demand industries
✔ Balance work & study commitments for better academic success
How Should Students Prepare?
- If starting studies before November 2025:
- Current 20-hour work limit applies until the change takes effect.
- If enrolling for 2026 intake:
- You’ll benefit from 25-hour work rights from the beginning.
- Choosing a course?
- Consider degree programs and skill shortage fields for best opportunities.
Need Help with Your NZ Study Visa?
Navigating visa rules can be tricky—let our experts guide you! We assist with:
✅ Course selection & enrollment
✅ Student visa applications
✅ Post-study work visa strategies
📞 Contact Us: +233 (0)59 856 0223 / +233 (0)50 676 4946
📧 Email: Info@extremeptravelgh.com
🌐 Book a Free Consultation: Booking & Assessment
🔗 More Helpful Resources:
- NZ Study Work Rights Guide
- Latest NZ Immigration Updates visit Blog
Planning to study in New Zealand? These changes make 2025/2026 a great time to start your journey. Let’s make your dream a reality—reach out today! 🌏✈🎓