Auckland Immigration and Protection Tribunal Announces Changes to Immigration Rules

Strategic Insights -

The Auckland Immigration and Protection Tribunal recently announced that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is making changes to immigration rules as part of the International Education Going for Growth Plan. The plan aims to attract more international students, maintain high education standards, and manage immigration risks in a sustainable way. Key changes include increasing the number of hours eligible students can work while holding a student visa, extending eligibility for in-study work rights, and clarifying the process for changing education providers or levels of study.

Key Takeaways:

  • The International Education Going for Growth Plan was announced on Monday, 14 July 2025, aiming to attract more international students and maintain high education standards.
  • Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will increase the number of hours eligible students can work while holding a student visa from 20 to 25 hours a week.
  • INZ will extend eligibility for in-study work rights to all tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programs, including 1-semester courses.
  • Students changing education providers or levels of study will need to apply for a new student visa, not just a variation of conditions.
  • From 3 November 2025, eligible tertiary and secondary school students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours a week during the semester.
  • There are currently 40,987 student visa holders with in-study work rights, with 29,790 visas set to expire on or before 31 March 2026, and 11,197 set to expire after that date.
  • INZ is exploring further changes, including a new short-term work visa for some vocational graduates and streamlined visa processes.
  • Many student visas already allow full-time work during summer and other scheduled breaks, so some students may not need to apply for the extra 5 hours right away.
  • School students in years 12 and 13 require parental and school permission for 20 hours in-study work rights during the year, and this permission will still be a requirement with the increase to 25 hours a week.

Statistics:

  • 40,987 student visa holders have in-study work rights.
  • 29,790 visas set to expire on or before 31 March 2026.
  • 11,197 visas set to expire after 31 March 2026.
  • Eligible tertiary and secondary school students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours a week during the semester from 3 November 2025.

Sources:

  • Auckland Immigration and Protection Tribunal press release (no date provided)
  • International Education Going for Growth Plan (Ministry of Education, no date provided)
  • "Increased in-study work hours" (Immigration New Zealand, 3 November 2025)