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Pathway

NZ Student Partner Work Visa

New Zealand Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

If your partner is an eligible student in New Zealand, you may be able to get a temporary work visa. You must both be at least 18 and be living together in a genuine, stable relationship. You do not need a job offer.

Eligible courses
Level 9 or 10, or a specifically listed level 7 or 8 qualification
Relationship
Both partners at least 18 and living together in a genuine, stable relationship
Job offer required?
No; follow the work conditions on the visa

Summary

An eligible partner of a New Zealand student can seek a work visa when the student’s actual qualification supports it; not every course does. The couple must already live together and document a genuine, stable relationship. Marriage without that shared-life evidence is insufficient, and the granted visa's work conditions still apply.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

The partner’s course must be an eligible level 9 or 10 qualification, or one of the specifically listed level 7 or 8 qualifications. An ordinary student visa for another course is insufficient. Both partners must be at least 18. You must be living together in a genuine, stable partnership and supply the required partner support and personal records. The student-partner applicant needs at least NZD 4,200 in support funds. A linked application can be made while the student visa is being considered, but the student’s approval is needed first.

Applying for a work visa through your student partner
  1. Check your partner’s eligibility Check the student’s qualification: level 9 or 10, or a specifically listed level 7 or 8 course.
  2. Prepare evidence of living together Include relationship, support, identity, and other required personal records.
  3. Apply and check the approved visa Follow its work conditions and expiry date; children need separate visas.

This gives temporary work permission. Residence has separate requirements.

What This Route Allows

The visa usually runs for the same period as the supporting partner’s visa and allows work under the issued conditions. A job offer is not required. The current work conditions allow you to be self-employed, but you cannot employ other people directly or indirectly.

What This Route Is Not

This is temporary work permission, not partnership residence. Children apply separately. The relationship and supporting visa must continue to meet the rules; not every student can support this type of visa.

Next Steps

  1. Check the student’s qualification: level 9 or 10, or a specifically listed level 7 or 8 course.
  2. Prepare proof of living together, the partnership, support, and personal requirements.
  3. Apply for the partner work visa and check the issued work conditions and expiry date.

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Discussed in these reports

Other routes in New Zealand.

Sources