Update from Immigration NZ — September 2025

Changes to support international education

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is making changes to immigration rules as part of the Government’s International Education Going for Growth plan. These changes aim to attract more international students and manage immigration risks.

From November 2025, INZ will:

• increase the number of hours eligible students can work on a student visa from 20 to 25 hours a week,
• extend in-study work rights to all tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including 1-semester courses, and
• clarify that if you change your education provider or lower your level of study, you must apply for a new student visa, not just a variation of conditions.

INZ is also looking at further changes, subject to Cabinet approval. These may include:

• a new short-term work visa for some vocational graduates, and
• streamlined visa processes to make applying easier.

You can read more about the plan on the Ministry of Education website:

International education(external link) — Ministry of Education

Student visa updates

INZ has made changes to improve how student visas are processed.

From 18 August 2025, international student visa applications will move to INZ’s enhanced Immigration Online system.

Here’s what you need to know:

• If you start a draft application on or before 17 August, you must submit it by 17 September. After that, the draft will expire.
• If you start an application on or after 18 August, you’ll be automatically directed to use the new system.

INZ is currently processing student visas faster and more efficiently.

• 88% of international student visas have been approved in 2025, compared to 82% in 2024.
• Most student visa decisions are made in 12 days (about two and a half weeks).