Student and Trainee Work Visa

Work while training in New Zealand – for medical, education, religious, or jockey apprenticeships.

Who is this visa for?

This visa is designed for four specific groups who want to complete practical training in New Zealand as part of their studies or religious formation.

Who can apply?

1. Medical or Dental Trainees

You may be eligible if you:

Need practical training to meet compulsory course requirements
Are qualified and experienced in the field
Have a letter of acceptance from a New Zealand hospital
Are not currently on a student or visitor visa
Meet funds requirements (NZ$1,000/month or NZ$400/month with prepaid accommodation)
You do not need to be registered in NZ to apply

Visa duration: Up to 6 months (extensions possible case-by-case)

2. Students Requiring Work Experience (Internship)

You may be eligible if you:

Are studying outside of New Zealand
Need practical work experience related to your study programme
Have your education provider’s support
Hold an offer of practical training/work from a New Zealand employer or education provider
Meet funds requirements

Visa duration: Up to 6 months (extensions possible)

3. Apprentice Jockeys (16+ years old)

You may be eligible if you:

Have a job offer from a registered NZ horse trainer
Are guaranteed maintenance and accommodation by NZ Thoroughbred Racing Inc.
Have a repatriation guarantee from the trainer (if apprenticeship ends early)

Visa duration: Up to 4 years

4. Religious Trainees

You may be eligible if you:

Have a written confirmation of a training place from a sponsoring religious organisation
Are sponsored by a charity registered for the advancement of religion
Are not an officer or nominated person of the sponsoring religious institution
Meet temporary health and character requirements

 Visa duration:
• Initial visa for 1 year
• Further visas granted annually, up to 4 years maximum

Requirements for sponsoring religious organisations

To offer formal religious training to trainees, organisations must:

Be registered as a charity with Charities Services
Prove their primary mission is religious
Have at least a 5-year track record of providing religious training
Provide evidence of current trainees (local & overseas)
Submit a Sponsorship Form for Religious Workers (INZ 1190) covering:
  • Accommodation
  • Maintenance
  • Repatriation
Meet generic sponsorship obligations (E6.5 and E6.15)

Important Notes

• If your training is over 3 months at a tertiary institution, you may instead need a Student Visa.
• Each visa type is issued only for the duration of the training or apprenticeship.
• You must provide proof of sufficient funds and meet health and character criteria.

How JD Immigration Can Help

We’ll help you or your sponsor:

Confirm visa eligibility
Compile your work/training offer and supporting documents
Guide education or religious organisations through sponsorship forms
Apply for initial or further WE category work visas

Book a consultation with JD Immigration now to begin your training journey in Aotearoa.