Immigration News - New Zealand guardian visas, New Zealand student visas, Student Visas, New Zealand New Zealand | Student visa work rights expanded; Guardian Visitor Visa applications move online Share this article LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) October 28, 2025 Effective Nov. 3, 2025, New Zealand Immigration will implement two key changes impacting international student visa work rights and Guardian Visitor Visas. Key Points: Student visa work rights Eligible student visa holders will be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic term, up from the current 20-hour limit. This change applies to: Tertiary and secondary school students with in-study work rights Holders of dependent child visitor visas and Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visas Students on approved exchange or study abroad programs, including one-semester courses Students with existing visas must apply for a “variation of conditions” status to access the increased work hours. Guardian Visitor Visa applications All applications for Guardian Visitor Visas must be submitted via the enhanced Immigration Online system starting Nov. 3. The new platform offers: Streamlined forms tailored to applicant circumstances Real-time status updates and improved self-service features Continued access to draft or submitted applications in the legacy system until further notice Additional Information: These updates reflect New Zealand’s ongoing efforts to support international education and improve visa processing efficiency. This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. Copyright © 2025 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.