Latest news with #INZ
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
New Zealand: Indian students can work 25 hours/week under new visa rules
Indians studying in New Zealand or planning to head there soon have reason to be optimistic. On July 14, 2025, the New Zealand government unveiled its new International Education Going for Growth Plan, which will tweak immigration rules to attract more international students, while keeping academic quality and immigration compliance intact. As part of this plan, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will implement several visa-related changes from November 3, 2025. Students can work up to 25 hours a week Currently, international students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time. That cap will now increase to 25 hours for eligible tertiary and secondary school students. The new 25-hour limit will apply automatically to all new student visas granted from November 3, even if the application was submitted before the rule came into effect. But those holding existing student visas will need to either apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to take advantage of the extra five hours. School students in Years 12 and 13 will still need written permission from both a parent and their school to work these hours. Notably, many student visas already allow full-time work during official breaks and holidays. If this applies, students can wait until after the summer break to apply for the extra in-study work hours—so long as their current visa remains valid. There are currently 40,987 student visa holders in New Zealand with in-study work rights: < 29,790 visas expire on or before March 31, 2026 < 11,197 visas expire after that Not everyone is expected to apply for the additional five hours. Some students may be close to completing their studies, while others may prefer to wait until their next visa renewal to add the change and avoid extra fees. Broader work rights for exchange and Study Abroad students From November, all tertiary-level students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes will also be eligible for in-study work rights. This includes even short-term enrolments such as one-semester courses. Until now, these rights were more limited and depended on specific course types or lengths. Change in institution or course level? Apply again INZ also clarified that students will now need to apply for a new visa, not just a variation of conditions, if they decide to change their education provider or lower the level of their study. This move brings greater regulatory certainty and ensures that visa conditions reflect a student's most current enrolment. Surge in Indian enrolments New Zealand has been gaining traction among Indian students over the past year. According to New Zealand Education, international student enrolments from India rose 34% in the January–August 2024 period, reaching 10,640. That's up from 7,930 in the entire 2023 calendar year. 'New Zealand is steadily gaining significance as a preferred alternate study destination over the 'Big Four' countries,' Piyush Kumar, regional director for South Asia, Canada and Latin America at IDP Education told Business Standard. He added, 'Our IDP data also reflects this, with the number of female student enrolments doubling over the same timeframe. This growth can be attributed to its student-first policies and supportive, holistic education system.' Kumar pointed out that the government's decision to exempt Indian degree holders from qualification assessment and simplify the skilled migration route had added to the country's appeal. Strong university rankings bolster appeal All eight of New Zealand's universities are featured in the QS World University Rankings 2026: University of Auckland (#65) University of Otago (#197) Massey University (#230) Victoria University of Wellington (#240) University of Canterbury (#261) University of Waikato (#281) Lincoln University (#407) Auckland University of Technology (AUT) (#410) 'With its welcoming and supportive policies, as well as clear pathways for studying and working, New Zealand is quickly becoming an attractive option. Moreover, all eight New Zealand universities rank amongst the top 500 in the QS World University Rankings 2026,' said Kumar.
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Business Standard
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
New Zealand eases student visa rules for Indians: What changes now
In a relief for Indian students who are increasingly looking at New Zealand as one of their top higher education destinations, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has removed a long-standing requirement that slowed down visa processing for thousands. From June 23, 2025, India has been added to the 'List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment' (LQEA), removing the need for most Indian degree holders to undergo the costly and time-consuming International Qualification Assessment (IQA). 'The LQEA list is part of our commitment to create a more efficient and transparent system for skilled migrants,' said INZ in a statement. The exemption is expected to speed up visa decisions for Indians applying under work, residence and post-study immigration routes. 'New Zealand's decision to add India to the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment is a step toward streamlining the pathway for Indian students and skilled professionals. By removing the need for an additional qualification assessment, the process becomes faster, more affordable, and more student-friendly,' Mayank Maheswari, co-founder and COO at University Living, a global student accommodation platform told Business Standard. What changes for Indian applicants The IQA, used to match foreign degrees to New Zealand's academic framework, was previously mandatory for most skilled migrant applications. With India's inclusion in the LQEA: Most degrees from recognised Indian universities are now accepted without additional assessment IQA exemption applies to: — skilled migrant category (SMC) visa applicants — green list roles (engineers, healthcare workers, ICT professionals) — accredited employer work visa (AEWV) applicants — post-study work visa applicants Applicants must still meet other conditions, including English language scores and relevant experience. India is one of nine new countries added to the list, alongside France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden and Switzerland. New Zealand's growing popularity with Indian students New Zealand is gaining traction as a preferred study destination for Indian students. Between January and August 2024, enrolments from India grew 34 per cent to 10,640, up from 7,930 in the full year of 2023, according to New Zealand Education. "New Zealand provides welcoming policies, globally recognised universities and developing post-study work possibilities. It also offers strong ties with India and an exceptional quality of life,' IDP Education said in a recent report. According to Global Finance's 2025 report, New Zealand ranks 12th among the world's happiest countries. It also topped Remote's Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025 and stands third on the Global Peace Index, offering a safe and supportive environment for students. Education New Zealand data shows that Indian students now make up 11 per cent of international university enrolments, second only to Chinese students. The University Living report Beyond Beds & Benches—Decoding ANZ's Education System describes New Zealand's universities as 'globally respected for academic excellence, research innovation and real-world skills.' 'These institutions offer diverse programmes across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels, drawing students from around the world,' said Maheswari. An edge in the global talent race Immigration experts say the exemption is part of a broader effort by New Zealand to simplify processes and stand out in a competitive global market for skilled workers. 'With global mobility rising, especially in STEM and business fields, streamlined systems can give countries like New Zealand an edge over Australia, the UK and Canada,' said Aritra Ghosal, founder and CEO at OneStep Global. 'Until now, Indian degree holders had to undergo the IQA—a time-consuming, costly and often opaque process. This exemption removes a procedural hurdle, allowing faster visa processing and greater certainty for applicants. It also reflects confidence in the rigour of Indian higher education,' Ghosal told Business Standard. Mamta Shekhawat, founder of said the move shows 'profound faith' in Indian academic credentials. 'This will help fulfil thousands of dreams, making New Zealand an ideal and accessible destination. The changes will reduce financial stress and delays in processing,' she told Business Standard. New Zealand's academic rankings and affordability All eight New Zealand universities feature in the QS World University Rankings 2026: University of Auckland (#65) University of Otago (#197) Massey University (#230) Victoria University of Wellington (#240) University of Canterbury (#261) University of Waikato (#281) Lincoln University (#407) Auckland University of Technology (AUT) (#410) IDP Education said the country offers excellence in fields such as data science, engineering, business analytics, nursing, education and hospitality. The annual cost of education ranges from NZD 20,000 to 40,000 (about ₹10.3 lakh to ₹20.6 lakh per year), making it more affordable than the US and UK, and comparable to Australia and Canada. Post-study work policies support long-term plans New Zealand's post-study work (PSW) visa policy is another draw for international students. As of March 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 5.1 per cent. International students who complete at least 30 weeks of Master's or PhD studies in New Zealand can stay and work for three years. Since late 2024, students pursuing shorter, stackable qualifications are also eligible. For example, a student completing a 30-week postgraduate diploma (Level 8) followed by a Master's can still access the full PSW benefit. With around 270,000 Indians residing in New Zealand, students can find cultural familiarity and community support, along with expanding professional networks after graduation.
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Scoop
Immigration NZ Confirms Fraud In Samoa: Staff Bribed To Help Samoan Nationals Obtain Visas
Article – RNZ Immigration New Zealand says immigration workers helped the offender obtain paperwork or win favourable treatment in exchange for bribes. Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist Second Samoan national sentenced to six months home detention in New Zealand migrant exploitation case. Was it a case of corruption? 'Yes', an INZ spokesperson said. INZ found immigration workers in Samoa engaged in 'internal fraud'. Immigration NZ (INZ) says immigration workers in Samoa helped an individual obtain visas fraudulently between 2014 and 2021. INZ general manager of immigration investigations and compliance Steve Watson told RNZ Pacific that they were brought to New Zealand 'with a whole lot of fraud going on back in Samoa that we've addressed'. The revelation follows this week's sentencing of a Samoan national for their role in aiding other Samoans to work in New Zealand illegally between 2016 and 2021. They were a paid 'associate' of the primary offender, who was sentenced back in April for running a service setting Samoans up with fake working visas. The associate was sentenced to six months' home detention, while the primary offender was sentenced to four years' imprisonment and ordered to pay NZ$4000 in reparations. RNZ reported at the time that the two individuals employed Samoan nationals unlawfully in New Zealand and supported others to breach their visa conditions. INZ's acting general manager of immigration compliance & investigation Michael Carley said workers were lured to New Zealand under the offer to make money they can send to their families in Samoa. 'The individual would then either directly or indirectly, through extended family or friends, sponsor a worker's visitor visa and manage the process of applying for visas through Immigration New Zealand. Even paying for related visa fees and airfares.' Once in New Zealand, they were often employed for more than 40 hours a week and paid a daily rate of $100, below the adult minimum wage. A case of corruption Immigration workers helped the offender obtain paperwork or win favourable treatment, in exchange for bribes, INZ's Steve Watson explained. 'Back in Samoa this person took advantage of a contact they had…and they were able to fraudulently obtain visas for these people,' Watson said. 'It wasn't a significant amount [of visas] because we were quickly able to identify the gap, and we've made a number of changes to our security procedures in the office some time ago now, but it was quickly identified and these persons were arrested and charged.' When RNZ Pacific asked whether this was a case of corruption, Watson said it was. 'It was a case of internal fraud which we very quicky discovered, and the matter was resolved through an employment issue.' Watson said this was a one-off incident and the offenders are not tied to any wider networks. 'This is not very common, and we take this very very seriously when it comes to our attention,' Watson said. 'The fact that it was able to be discovered is actually a sign that the immigration system and the compliance and investigations aspect of it is working.' He said no recognised seasonal employers were involved in this case.
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Scoop
Immigration NZ Confirms Fraud In Samoa: Staff Bribed To Help Samoan Nationals Obtain Visas
Second Samoan national sentenced to six months home detention in New Zealand migrant exploitation case. Was it a case of corruption? ''Yes'', an INZ spokesperson said. INZ found immigration workers in Samoa engaged in ''internal fraud''. Immigration NZ (INZ) says immigration workers in Samoa helped an individual obtain visas fraudulently between 2014 and 2021. INZ general manager of immigration investigations and compliance Steve Watson told RNZ Pacific that they were brought to New Zealand "with a whole lot of fraud going on back in Samoa that we've addressed". The revelation follows this week's sentencing of a Samoan national for their role in aiding other Samoans to work in New Zealand illegally between 2016 and 2021. They were a paid "associate" of the primary offender, who was sentenced back in April for running a service setting Samoans up with fake working visas. The associate was sentenced to six months' home detention, while the primary offender was sentenced to four years' imprisonment and ordered to pay NZ$4000 in reparations. RNZ reported at the time that the two individuals employed Samoan nationals unlawfully in New Zealand and supported others to breach their visa conditions. INZ's acting general manager of immigration compliance & investigation Michael Carley said workers were lured to New Zealand under the offer to make money they can send to their families in Samoa. "The individual would then either directly or indirectly, through extended family or friends, sponsor a worker's visitor visa and manage the process of applying for visas through Immigration New Zealand. Even paying for related visa fees and airfares." Once in New Zealand, they were often employed for more than 40 hours a week and paid a daily rate of $100, below the adult minimum wage. A case of corruption Immigration workers helped the offender obtain paperwork or win favourable treatment, in exchange for bribes, INZ's Steve Watson explained. "Back in Samoa this person took advantage of a contact they they were able to fraudulently obtain visas for these people," Watson said. "It wasn't a significant amount [of visas] because we were quickly able to identify the gap, and we've made a number of changes to our security procedures in the office some time ago now, but it was quickly identified and these persons were arrested and charged." When RNZ Pacific asked whether this was a case of corruption, Watson said it was. "It was a case of internal fraud which we very quicky discovered, and the matter was resolved through an employment issue." Watson said this was a one-off incident and the offenders are not tied to any wider networks. "This is not very common, and we take this very very seriously when it comes to our attention," Watson said. "The fact that it was able to be discovered is actually a sign that the immigration system and the compliance and investigations aspect of it is working." He said no recognised seasonal employers were involved in this case.
Otago Daily Times
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Nearly 300 visa applications in past month
Photo: RNZ Immigration New Zealand has received nearly 300 offshore visa applications from Israeli, Palestinian and Iranian nationals since 1 June 2025. It follows the most recent armed conflict between Israel and Iran, which started on 13 June when Israel launched an air attack on Iranian nuclear facilities and killed top military commanders. In a statement to RNZ, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) said the government agency "understands the difficult situation this crisis is causing for many and has great sympathy for those separated from their loved ones during this stressful time". INZ acting director visa Marcelle Foley said 277 offshore visa applications from Israelis, Palestinians and Iranians had been made across all visa categories since the start of last month. The vast majority were Iranian nationals. "230 visa applications were submitted from Iranian nationals," Foley said. "Of those, 93 have been approved and seven declined. The remaining applications are either still under assessment or have been withdrawn. "Forty-one applications were submitted by Israeli nationals. Twenty-four have been approved, one was declined, and the remainder are still being processed. "Six applications were submitted from Palestinian nationals, with two approved and the rest currently under assessment." INZ also revealed that since 7 October 2023, a total of 8634 New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) applications have been granted to Israeli nationals. "Israel is a visa waiver country. This means Israeli citizens visiting New Zealand temporarily do not need to apply for a visitor visa but must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)," said Marcelle Foley, Acting Director Visa.
