Work Rights & PR Pathways

Working while you study

• Many international students may work up to 25 hours a week during the term and full time in scheduled holidays. The limit was raised from 20 hours in late 2025. Whether you may work depends on the conditions on your visa, which depend on your course level and length, so read them.
• Work rights for students on lower-level or short courses can be limited or not allowed.
• Know your rights: minimum wage, written employment agreements and holiday pay apply to everyone.

After graduation

Graduates of qualifying courses can apply for a Post Study Work Visa, which is an open work visa. For many degree-level qualifications it can be up to three years, and it is shorter for lower levels. Some qualifications do not qualify, and conditions differ by the type of course and where you studied. Confirm your course’s eligibility before you enrol.

Residence

Residence is possible through skilled migration, through skilled work in occupations on government lists, and some other routes. The rules, the points and the lists are updated by the government, so a course alone never guarantees residence. The strongest position is a qualification in a skill shortage area, a good English score, local work experience and an employer who values you.

Sensible planning

• Choose a course for the career you want, not only for the work visa.
• Build local experience through part-time work, internships and volunteering.
• Keep your visa conditions exactly. Working more than allowed puts your status at risk.

Check before you rely on it. Student work hours, post-study work rules and residence settings are being updated by the government. Rules, fees and dates are changed by governments often. We last reviewed this page in October 2026. Confirm the current position on Immigration New Zealand or ask our counsellors, who check it again before your file is submitted.

Talk to WIEC about New Zealand

Our Lalitpur counsellors can review your marks, English score and finances and tell you honestly which courses and universities fit. Book a free appointment, start your file online at Apply Online, or practise for the English test with IELTSWIZZ.