New Zealand Introduces Revisions to Student Visa Rules, Bringing Work Rights into Focus 

New Zealand has introduced changes to its student visa rules, effective 27 October 2026. The revisions affect international students and the conditions they must follow while studying in the country. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has updated several existing requirements, with implications for students at different stages of their education. 

One change affects students pursuing master’s degrees by research. Previously, eligible students could work without limits on their hours during their studies. Under the new rules, students applying for master’s-by-research student visas from 27 October 2026 will follow the same work conditions as other master’s students, allowing up to 25 hours of work per week during study and full-time work during scheduled holidays, subject to their visa conditions. Existing visa holders retain the work conditions attached to their current visas. The change removes the separate work arrangement for new applicants. 

INZ has also clarified how English-language ability is considered during student visa assessments. The updated instructions specify that English proficiency is a key factor in determining whether a student can meet the conditions of their student visa. The announcement does not introduce new English test scores or a new minimum score. Instead, it clarifies the role of English-language ability in these assessments. 

Another change concerns the processing of student visa applications. INZ can now formally suspend processing in a wider range of circumstances, including when an education provider is being investigated for possible non-compliance with immigration requirements. This means applications may be put on hold while authorities determine whether a provider has complied with the rules. 

The final change gives some students more time after their courses end. Depending on the duration and course of study, a student visa may expire on 31 March or one month after the course end date. INZ is extending the latter period to two months, while the 31 March expiry date remains unchanged. The extra time is intended to help eligible students decide what to do next after completing their studies. 

For students planning to study in New Zealand, the changes underline the importance of checking the conditions attached to their visas. Those considering master’s-by-research programmes should review the updated work limits, while other students should understand how the revised assessment and processing rules may apply to them. Immigration New Zealand’s official guidance provides the most reliable information for checking individual requirements. 

Source: 

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas