Immigration New Zealand has officially raised the term-time work cap for international students from 20 to 25 hours per week, effective November 3. The change—confirmed on November 9—applies to all new study-visa grants as well as current students who obtain a simple ‘variation of conditions’. Indian students are New Zealand’s second-largest cohort after Chinese nationals, so the uplift has immediate practical impact on living costs and post-study employability.
Education providers had lobbied for the move, arguing that inflation and housing shortages were making the previous 20-hour limit untenable. Universities New Zealand estimates that an extra five paid hours could put an additional NZ$140–175 (₹7,000–8,500) a week in a student’s pocket at prevailing minimum-wage rates.
![New Zealand lets international students—including Indians—work 25 hours a week]()
Employers—particularly in hospitality, agritech and retail—welcome the bigger labour pool during the high summer tourist season. But unions caution that students must balance academics with work; breach of the 25-hour limit can still trigger visa cancellation and a five-year re-entry ban. Institutions have been told to add welfare checks and roster audits to their compliance toolkits.
For Indian families weighing study destinations, the decision narrows the gap with Canada (which allows 24 hours) and Australia (48 hours per fortnight). Agents predict a short-term spike in NZ enrolments ahead of the February 2026 intake.
Education providers had lobbied for the move, arguing that inflation and housing shortages were making the previous 20-hour limit untenable. Universities New Zealand estimates that an extra five paid hours could put an additional NZ$140–175 (₹7,000–8,500) a week in a student’s pocket at prevailing minimum-wage rates.
Employers—particularly in hospitality, agritech and retail—welcome the bigger labour pool during the high summer tourist season. But unions caution that students must balance academics with work; breach of the 25-hour limit can still trigger visa cancellation and a five-year re-entry ban. Institutions have been told to add welfare checks and roster audits to their compliance toolkits.
For Indian families weighing study destinations, the decision narrows the gap with Canada (which allows 24 hours) and Australia (48 hours per fortnight). Agents predict a short-term spike in NZ enrolments ahead of the February 2026 intake.
