Navigating Partner of a Student Work Visa New Zealand

We understand that accompanying a partner studying in New Zealand involves important legal, financial, and immigration considerations. We present a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the Partner of a Student Work Visa New Zealand, designed for applicants who intend to live and work in New Zealand while their partner studies for an eligible qualification. This guide consolidates eligibility rules, documentation standards, financial thresholds, and application procedures in a clear, structured, and decision-ready format.

What Is the Partner of a Student Work Visa NZ?

The Partner of a Student Work Visa allows the partner of an eligible New Zealand student visa holder to work full-time, study for up to three months, and travel in and out of New Zealand for the same duration as the student’s visa. This visa is not tied to a specific employer and does not require a job offer at the time of application.

Length of Stay and Visa Validity for NZ Partner of a Student Work Visa

• Visa duration is aligned exactly with the supporting partner’s student visa

• Valid from:

  • the date of first entry if the applicant is offshore, or

  • the approval date if the applicant is already in New Zealand

• Multiple-entry travel is permitted throughout the visa validity

Who Can Apply for a Partner of a Student Work Visa NZ

Applicants are required to fulfil the following eligibility requirements:

1. Eligible Supporting Partner Requirements

The supporting partner must:

• Hold or be applying for a New Zealand Student Visa

• Be studying one of the following:

  • NZQCF Level 9 or 10 qualification, or

  • NZQCF Level 7 or 8 qualification that is:

    • listed on the Green List, or

    • eligible for a Post Study Work Visa, or

    • on the Long Term Skill Shortage List (study commenced on or before 7 September 2022)

• Complete Form INZ 1146 – Partner Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications

• Meet good character requirements (no convictions for domestic violence or sexual offences)

2. Relationship Requirements: Genuine and Stable Partnership

Applicants must be living together in a genuine and stable relationship at the time of application.

Evidence of Partnership Must Demonstrate:

• Length of the relationship

• Duration of cohabitation

• Shared financial responsibilities

• Social recognition of the relationship

• Ongoing communication and time spent together

Acceptable evidence includes:

• Joint bank accounts or shared financial commitments

• Lease agreements or shared accommodation proof

• Photos, travel records, social media conversations

• Statements from friends and family

3. Financial Requirements

Applicants must show evidence of at least NZD $4,200 to cover living expenses during their stay.

Accepted proof includes:

• Recent bank statements

• Credit card statements

• Traveller’s cheques or bank drafts

Applicants may be asked to re-confirm financial capacity upon arrival.

4. Health Requirements for NZ Partner of a Student Work Visa

Applicants must be in good health. Depending on nationality, travel history, and length of stay, Immigration New Zealand may require:

• Chest X-ray certificate

• Medical examination

Key Health Rules:

• Chest X-ray or medicals must be less than 3 months old

• Mandatory chest X-ray applies if staying over 6 months and:

  • coming from a country with high TB incidence, or

  • having spent 3+ months in such countries in the past 5 years

5. Character Requirements and Police Certificates

Applicants aged 17 or older may need to submit police certificates if:

• Total stay in New Zealand will be 24 months or more

Police Certificate Rules:

• Only documents issued in the past six months are considered valid

• Required from:

  • country of citizenship, and

  • any country lived in for 5+ years since age 17

• Certificates not in English must be accompanied by certified translations

Genuine Intentions Assessment

Applicants must demonstrate genuine intentions to:

• live with their partner

• comply with visa conditions

• leave New Zealand before visa expiry

Immigration officers assess intentions using:

• relationship evidence

• immigration history

• personal and financial circumstances

Documents Required for Partner of a Student Work Visa Application

Mandatory Documents Checklist:

• Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond departure date)

• Visa-compliant photographs

• Completed INZ 1146 form

• Evidence of partnership

• Proof of funds (NZD $4,200 minimum)

• Medical and chest X-ray certificates (if required)

• Police certificates (if required)

• Certified English translations where applicable

How to Apply for a Partner of a Student Work Visa New Zealand?

Online Application Process

1. Prepare all documents

2. Create or log in to Immigration New Zealand online account

3. Upload documents and complete the application

4. Pay the visa fee

5. Track application status online

If applying concurrently with the New Zealand Student Visa, approval is issued only after the student visa is approved.

Paper Application Process

1. Complete INZ 1198 – Partnership-Based Temporary Visa Application

2. Attach all supporting documents

3. Submit to the designated visa application centre

4. Pay applicable fees

5. Await decision via email

Processing Time and Cost

• Cost: From NZD $1,630

• Processing Time: 80% of applications processed within 6 weeks

After Visa Approval

Applicants receive an eVisa and may:

• Enter New Zealand

• Apply for an IRD number to work legally

• Travel freely until visa expiry

If already in New Zealand and the current visa expires during processing, an Interim Visa is usually granted.

Visa Conditions While in New Zealand

Work Rights

• Work in any lawful employment

• No employer restrictions

• Occupational registration required where applicable

Study Rights

• Allows short-term study of up to three months in each 12-month period

Travel Rights

• Unlimited entry and exit during visa validity

Check this out: How Do You Check and Change Your New Zealand Work Visa Conditions

Can You Bring Children on This Visa?

Dependent children cannot be included in the initial application.

However, after visa approval, applicants may support dependent child visa applications separately.

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