New Zealand Work Visa Policy Expanded for Partners of International Students

Key Highlights

1. The New Zealand government has extended work visa eligibility to partners of international students. 
2. International students enrolled in specific Level 7 or 8 bachelor's or B.honours degrees that lead to professional registration for high-demand Green List roles, which include healthcare and STEM fields.
3. Dependents of eligible partners can apply for a Dependent Child Student Visa, allowing school-aged children to attend school as domestic students without paying tuition fees.

The New Zealand Immigration Department has amended the work rights of dependents of international students. Accompanying dependents may now apply for a Partner of Student Work Visa with open work rights. If their partner is working towards a specified level 7 or 8 bachelor's or bachelor's (honours) degree, that will lead directly to professional registration required for a Green List role.

Green List roles are occupations that the New Zealand government has identified as being in high demand. They include employment opportunities in health care, STEM sectors, and beyond.

The new policy also provides a substantial benefit to accompanying children of Green List-enrolled students. For partners who are now eligible, dependent school-aged children can be treated as domestic students. The children can apply for a Dependent Child Student Visa, which allows them to attend school without paying tuition expenses. This now applies to anyone holding a Partner of a Student Work Visa.

While planning to study in New Zealand, if you want to apply for a ‘Partner of Student Work Visa’ the cost is NZD 700 to apply for, and processing takes 9 weeks in 80% of cases. To apply for this visa, the partner must show identity verification and demonstrate a genuine willingness to meet visa criteria. The partner's health and character should be good. Also, they must have enough money to afford living in New Zealand.

According to the New Zealand visa news, full-year enrollment figures for international students indicated that an increasing number of foreign students chose to study in New Zealand in 2023 when the overall number of international students was 69,135, a significant increase of 67% from 2022.

This accounts for 60% of the international student population in 2019, when over 115,000 international students enrolled to study in New Zealand.

Dr Linda Sissons, Acting Chief Executive of Education New Zealand Manapou Ki Te Ao, said, “New Zealand is a small country and for many students, rubbing shoulders with people from other cultures gives them a greater understanding of the issues facing our complex world. In this time of fragile geopolitics, the melting pot of campus life can help build greater understanding and tolerance.”

TL;DR

These changes in work visa policy reflect New Zealand's commitment to attract international students and support their families. The new work visa policy enhances the appeal of New Zealand as a study destination by providing broader and better opportunities for dependents.

If you wish to learn more about the new work visa policy and how it affects international students read this article on amber news today!