Partners of Student Visa Holders

If your partner is studying in New Zealand on a student visa, you may be eligible for a relationship-based work visa that allows you to work for any employer while staying with them.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for a work visa if your partner holds a valid student visa to study:

  1. A Level 7 or 8 qualification listed on:
    • The Post-Study Work Visa Eligible Qualifications List, or
    • The Green List (Appendix 13)
  2. A Level 9 or 10 qualification (Master’s or Doctorate)
  3. A Level 7 or 8 qualification previously listed on the Long Term Skill Shortage List, if study began before 7 September 2022

 The qualification must still be on the applicable list at the time you apply.

 Visa Duration

Your visa will be granted for the same length as your partner’s student visa.

Work Rights

  • You can work for any employer in New Zealand
  • There’s no requirement to have a job offer
  • You must have NZ$4,200 in funds for maintenance during your stay

 What If My Partner Changes Their Course?

If your partner changes their study programme and the new course no longer meets eligibility criteria, your work visa will no longer be valid — and you may become liable for deportation.

 For Partners of New Zealand Scholarship Students

If your partner is studying in NZ on a scholarship funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), you may qualify for a work visa only if:

  • The scholarship is not a:
    • New Zealand Short Term Training Scholarship, or
    • New Zealand English Language Training for Officials Scholarship

No job offer is needed, but you must provide:

  • A completed application
  • Fee and immigration levy
  • Proof of NZ$4,200 in maintenance funds

Your visa will be valid for the duration of your partner’s scholarship.

 Restrictions After the Scholarship Ends

You cannot apply for another temporary visa (except a short-term visitor visa) for two years after your partner’s scholarship ends unless you have written permission from:

  • MFAT, or
  • Education New Zealand

If the scholarship lasted 12 months or less, the stand-down period is reduced to one year.

 Want to stay and work in New Zealand while your partner studies?
JD Immigration can help you apply for the right work visa — with full support from start to finish.