Since when can international students in New Zealand work up to 25 hours a week?
New Zealand student visas now allow up to 25 hours a week of part-time work, up from the earlier 20-hour limit, with this change effective from 3 November 2025. Canada has also raised its off-campus work limit to 24 hours a week during regular academic terms around the same period.
If you are studying or planning to study in New Zealand, you can now work up to 25 hours a week under your student visa, higher than the 20-hour limit that applied before. This increase took effect from 3 November 2025.
Recent work-hour increases for students
| Country | New weekly limit | Previous limit |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (effective 3 November 2025) | 25 hours | 20 hours |
| Canada (regular academic terms) | 24 hours | 20 hours |
Why this matters for your planning
An extra few hours a week can meaningfully add to your part-time income while studying, but the allowance still applies only to term-time work, since study-break rules are typically more generous. Always confirm the current limit through your visa conditions rather than assuming an older figure still applies.
My Advice
Build your budget and part-time work plan around the current 25-hour limit for New Zealand, not an older number you may have seen elsewhere. Since these limits do get revised, check your immigration authority's official guidance close to your travel date to confirm nothing has changed again.
Not sure which documents your NZ visa needs?
Interview prep, funds proof and timelines. Get a checklist for your case.
More Student visa questions
- Is a loan sanction letter from the government regulated Indian Bank accepted for a UK student visa application?
- How much bank balance is needed for an Italy student visa after failing math in 12th grade?
- Can I call my husband on a dependent visa after I go on a student visa for my masters abroad in UK/Ireland?
- Is it possible for my son, who is currently in twelfth grade, to study in New Zealand next year for a Diploma?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- Which countries have less strict or different financial requirements compared to New Zealand, especially regarding funding duration?
- Can other family members act as financial sponsors if my father’s income is insufficient in Germany?
- Is it necessary to include a cover letter explaining my financial arrangement, which combines a loan and personal savings, for my German student visa application?
More New Zealand questions
- Is it possible to study computer science with specialization in artificial intelligence in UK/New Zealand for a Master's?
- Can you add preferences for good digital marketing and performance marketing courses in New Zealand for a Master's?
- Have you discussed your abroad education plan with your parents in UK/Australia?
- Which master's specialisation suits a Pharmacy graduate with 70 percent marks applying to New Zealand for clinical roles?
- Will my work experience from a small company be accepted in New Zealand/Germany for a Master's?
- In New Zealand, how is the job market for HR? Are there good openings for HR or is it more for medical fields for a Master's?
- What is the cost and budget criteria for studying in UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Singapore for a Master's?
- Can I have both my retired mother and my husband as sponsors for my New Zealand student visa?