The immigration rules of Immigration New Zealand (INZ) are changing in ways that will matter deeply for overseas students, temporary workers and visitors alike. These updates reflect a clear move toward greater flexibility and responsiveness and they signal that New Zealand wants to remain a destination of choice for global talent, study and travel.
For international students, one of the most tangible changes is the rise in permitted work hours. As of 3 November 2025, eligible tertiary and senior secondary students will be able to work up to 25 hours per week during term time, up from the previous 20-hour cap.
This also extends to students in approved exchange or study-abroad programmes, making the benefit both broader and more inclusive. At the same time, the student visa application system moved to a new “enhanced” online platform on 18 August 2025, promising a smoother processing experience for those applying from overseas.
For temporary workers, especially those in skilled or seasonal roles, changes are equally important. INZ has introduced two new visa pathways launching 8 December 2025: the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (for more skilled seasonal work, valid up to three years) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (for entry-level seasonal roles, valid up to seven months) to address peak workforce demands in industries such as agriculture, horticulture and tourism. Meanwhile, changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) process include updated application-forms and streamlined wage criteria for “Green List” occupations.
Visitors also find the environment shifting not through sweeping overhaul just yet, but via evolving policy-settings that reflect the broader immigration strategy. While most visitor-visa conditions remain unchanged, the context of more flexible study/work rights and seasonal visas means that visitors planning to transition to study or work should carefully check visa-conditions ahead of time.
Why does all this matter? The government’s strategy to double the value of the international education sector by 2034 signals a deeper intent: to make New Zealand a more accessible place for overseas students, to fill labour-market gaps with flexible visa options, and to modernise the visa-application experience.
For you as a student, worker or visitor, it means opportunities are opening but so are expectations. Visa-conditions still apply, and the record of your study or job must remain genuine and compliant.
In short: if you are thinking of coming to New Zealand to study, work or visit, 2025 is the year when things shift into higher gear. The rules are changing, the doors are opening a bit wider and getting in early, understanding the new thresholds, and aligning with the correct visa category will make all the difference.