Student visa work rights: 25 hours a week and full-time summer work — check your conditions first

With the summer and Christmas break coming up, many international students are looking for extra shifts. Before you accept work, check the work conditions on your visa — work rights depend on your course and do not apply automatically to every student visa.

During study: up to 25 hours a week

From 3 November 2025, the limit for eligible student visas increased from 20 to 25 hours a week. If your visa allows 25 hours a week, this applies for the whole time your visa is valid, including before and after your course.

Still showing 20 hours?

A visa granted before 3 November 2025 with a 20-hour condition does not change automatically. You need to apply for a variation of conditions to work up to 25 hours.

Full-time work during holidays

Tertiary students can work full-time during scheduled breaks if their course lasts at least one academic year, is worth at least 120 credits and has at least two semesters over eight months.

Tip: open your eVisa or visa letter and read the work conditions before agreeing to a roster. Working more than allowed breaches your visa conditions and can affect future applications.

If you need a hand, BE VISA can help you review your visa conditions before you start work. Message Helen on Zalo/WhatsApp +64 204 599 996.

Source: Immigration New Zealand — Working on a student visa; Check or change your student visa conditions. Always re-check INZ before you accept work.