New Zealand: Updates to Student Visa Processing, Eligibility, and Work Rights Announced

Immigration authorities in New Zealand have announced several important updates affecting student visa applicants ahead of the 2026 academic year. Key developments include the following:  

• Peak processing period. October 2025 to March 2026 is typically the peak season for student visa applications to Immigration New Zealand. To avoid delays during this busy period, applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications as early as possible. Applicants who submit their applications at least three months before travel are more likely to receive a decision in time. Offshore students applying very early (e.g., six months or more) may receive an “approval in principle,” allowing them to finalize study confirmations, fund transfers, and tuition payments closer to departure.  
• Transition to enhanced Immigration Online. Effective August 18, 2025, the following student visa categories have been moved to Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system:  
  • English Language Student Visa  
  • Exchange Student Visa  
  • Fee Paying Student Visa  
  • Pathway Student Visa  
  • NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa  
  • Foreign Government Supported Student Visa.  

Draft applications created on or before August 17, 2025 in the legacy system must be submitted and paid for by September 17, 2025. Drafts not finalized by that date will expire, and new applications must be lodged in the updated platform.  

• New guidance on requirements. New guidance has been published on the Immigration New Zealand website to clarify requirements for student visas. This includes detailed information on evidence of funds, with additional country-specific guidance to be added over time, as well as new instructions on how students can demonstrate genuine intentions to study, comply with visa conditions, and leave New Zealand upon expiry. The long-standing Student Visa Information Sheets have been retired as part of the move to the new online system.  
• Pathway Student Visas. Immigration officials have noted an uptick in incorrect Pathway Student Visa (PSV) applications. Eligibility for PSV now requires enrolment in eligible courses at approved providers, plus an Offer of Place or equivalent confirmation from the provider. Applications lacking those elements are subject to refusal.  
• Work rights expansion. From November 3, 2025, eligible student visas will allow up to 25 hours of work per week during term time. Visas granted before that date remain capped at 20 hours unless holders obtain a variation of conditions.    

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].