The higher weekly allowance is in effect but students with older 20-hour conditions need an approved change.
Indian international students in Auckland may be eligible to work up to 25 hours a week during term, but the higher allowance depends on the conditions attached to their individual student visa.
The change took effect on 3 November 2025, increasing the previous 20-hour limit for eligible students. Immigration New Zealand's announcement says the new allowance applies to eligible new student visas granted from that date, including applications submitted earlier.
Students whose existing visas still specify a 20-hour limit must obtain a variation of conditions or a new visa before relying on the higher allowance. The national policy announcement does not itself amend every previously issued visa.
INZ also says most student visas already allow full-time work during summer and other scheduled breaks where that condition is included. Students should check their own visa rather than assume holiday work rights are identical for everyone.
For someone organising a roster, the first step is therefore to read the visa's wording and confirm any approved change. A manager's understanding of the general policy is not a substitute for the student's actual permission.
The additional five hours create more room for paid work where a student is eligible and work is available. However, permission to work is different from a guarantee of employment or a fixed weekly income.
Students can use the allowance when planning their week, but a realistic budget should account for the possibility of varying hours. Study commitments also remain part of the reason for being in New Zealand.
This is an existing rule, rather than a new October 2026 announcement. Its continuing relevance is the need to distinguish the general 25-hour policy from the conditions written into each student's visa.
Sources
Immigration New Zealand student work rights announcement published 21 October 2025