New Zealand Student Visa Changes from 27 October 2026: What International Students Need to Know

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced four important changes to student visa settings, effective from 27 October 2026. These changes affect student work rights, English-language assessment, visa processing and the time some students can stay after completing their course.

Here is a simple guide for international students.

1. Changes to Work Rights for Master's Students

Students undertaking a master's by research will no longer have unlimited work rights under the new settings.

Eligible master's students can work up to 25 hours per week during their studies and full-time during scheduled holidays, subject to their visa conditions.

This change applies to new student visa applications made on or after 27 October 2026.

2. English-Language Ability Is More Important

INZ has strengthened its instructions to make English-language ability a key factor when assessing whether students can meet their visa conditions.

Students may need to provide evidence of their English ability to demonstrate that they genuinely intend to study and can make satisfactory academic progress.

Important: This change does not introduce one new minimum English test score for all student visa applicants.

3. Changes to Student Visa Processing

INZ can now formally suspend processing student visa applications in a wider range of circumstances, including when an education provider's possible non-compliance is still being investigated.

This means issues involving an education provider could affect the processing of some student visa applications.

Students should carefully research their education provider before applying.

4. More Time After Completing Your Course

Some students will have more time after completing their studies to plan their next steps.

Where the applicable visa expiry rule previously allowed a student to stay for one month after their course ended, this period has been extended to two months.

The separate 31 March expiry date remains unchanged for students whose visas are subject to that rule.

Remember that your actual visa expiry date and conditions depend on your individual circumstances.

What Should Students Do Now?

If you are planning to study in New Zealand or already hold a student visa, we recommend that you:

• Check your current visa conditions and work rights.

• Make sure your English ability meets your course requirements.

• Choose an education provider carefully.

• Check your visa expiry date before making travel or further study plans.

  
  

Need Help With Your Student Visa?

Understanding immigration changes can be confusing, especially when they affect your work rights or plans after graduation.

Contact our immigration advisory team for guidance on your student visa options and how the latest changes may affect your circumstances.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not individual immigration advice. Always check the latest requirements and instructions published by Immigration New Zealand.

Official source: Immigration New Zealand — Changes to student visas