New Zealand: Changes to Working Conditions for Student Visa Holders

Key Points

• New Zealand will introduce changes to its right-to-work conditions for students effective 9 October 2023

Overview

The government of New Zealand will introduce changes to its right-to-work conditions for students effective 9 October 2023. The changes include:

References to Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa in the in-study work instructions will be removed and replaced with the state-eligible qualification’s programme level and type.

References to the requirement for a course to be relevant to the ANZSCO occupation at skill levels three to five will also be removed from instructions.

As a result of these changes, all students studying a full-time programme resulting in a New Zealand qualification at Level 4 or above on the NZQCF will be eligible for in-study work rights. Training schemes and micro-credentials are not qualifications and remain ineligible for in-study work rights.

What are the Changes?

On 9 October 2023, the government of New Zealand will update its right-to-work conditions for student visa holders. According to the government, these measures will align with introducing changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.

Looking Ahead

Continue to check the government of New Zealand’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.