Update from Immigration New Zealand

Update for international students: In-study work hours increasing from 3 November 

From 3 November 2025, eligible international students will be able to work up to 25 hours per week during the semester - an increase from the current 20-hour limit. This change applies to all new student visas granted from that date, even if the application was submitted earlier. 

If international students hold a student visa with a 20-hour work limit and want to take advantage of the new 25-hour allowance, they will need to apply for a variation of conditions (VOC) or a new student visa and pay the relevant fee 

They can choose to apply now for the extra five hours or if their visa allows full-time work during summer vacation then they do not require the extra five hours and may choose to wait until later to apply for a variation. Some students will choose not to apply for a variation of conditions at all, and wait until their next student visa application  

The process for applying for a variation of conditions depends on which system a visa was submitted through i.e. the old system or through enhanced Immigration Online. 

For more information, visit Upcoming changes to student visa work rights: Immigration New Zealand

If they’re unsure which system their visa was issued in or which form to use, they can contact us for support before applying: Contact us: Immigration New Zealand 

Update for international students: Changing your education provider or lowering your level of study from 3 November 2025 

If a student visa holder is planning to change education provider or lower their level of study (for example, from a degree to a diploma), they’ll need to apply for a new student visa - not just a variation of conditions. 

Upcoming changes to student visa work rights: Immigration New Zealand

This requirement ensures their visa accurately reflects the new study situation and complies with immigration requirements.  

Before making any changes, students or their representatives should check the INZ website for guidance on how to apply for a new student visa on enhanced Immigration Online and ensure they apply in advance to avoid any disruption to their studies. 

For more information, visit Study visas: Immigration New Zealand 

Update for international students: Keep your visa photo filter free 

We all like to look our best, but to avoid delays or declines, visa application photos must be a true, unedited likeness. That means students must abandon those filters and submit an accurate photo in order to avoid processing delays or declines. 

Immigration New Zealand uses facial recognition, so filters, AI edits, or beauty enhancements interfere with identity checks. Photos must meet international biometric standards - natural skin tones, clear lighting, and no digital alterations. 

Edited images including smoothing skin, changing eye size, reshaping facial features, or cropping your head onto a plain background will cause delays in processing and may lead to declined applications.  

Key tips: 

• Don’t use selfies - get someone to take your photo or use a professional. 

• Tell photographers not to apply digital enhancements, like beauty filters or AI adjustments. 

• Some photo apps or online tools may not be suitable for visa applications. 

More information and examples of acceptable photos can be found on our website: Acceptable photos for a visa or NZeTA : Immigration New Zealand 

Guardian visitor visa applications moving online from 3 November 

From 3 November 2025, all Guardian Visitor Visa applications should be submitted on Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system. This update is part of INZ’s broader digital transformation, aimed at improving the visa experience for families supporting international students. 

While the information required remains the same, the application form may look a little different.  

The enhanced system offers better application tracking and a more streamlined experience for applicants. Updated guidance and support materials are built into the form. 

If you have an application in draft or submitted under the old application form, you will still be able to access or submit this application after 3 November 2025. We will notify you when the old application form is due to close.  

For current visa holders, if your child is applying for a new student visa and you intend to apply for another Guardian Visitor Visa, both applications should be submitted through the enhanced system.  

This change is particularly relevant for education providers, agents, and advisers supporting families of international students. Please share this update with your networks and encourage early preparation ahead of the transition. 

Guardian Visitor Visa applications moving to enhanced Immigration Online: Immigration New Zealand