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
- Prepare all documents
- Create or log in to Immigration New Zealand online account
- Upload documents and complete the application
- Pay the visa fee
- 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
- Complete INZ 1198 – Partnership-Based Temporary Visa Application
- Attach all supporting documents
- Submit to the designated visa application centre
- Pay applicable fees
- 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.
Common Reasons for Visa Decline
- Insufficient partnership evidence
- Inconsistent cohabitation proof
- Ineligible student qualification
- Financial shortfall
- Character or health concerns
- Non-genuine intentions
Professional Guidance Matters
The Partner of a Student Work Visa New Zealand is highly evidence-driven. A well-prepared application aligned with Immigration New Zealand’s operational instructions significantly improves approval outcomes.
For applicants seeking clarity, compliance, and confidence, consulting a qualified Immigration Lawyer New Zealand ensures accurate eligibility assessment, strong documentation, and reduced risk of refusal.
How Immigration Chambers Can Assist?
Immigration Chambers provides end-to-end legal support to ensure your Partner of a Student Work Visa New Zealand application is accurate, compliant, and decision-ready. We assess eligibility against current Immigration New Zealand instructions, prepare strong partnership evidence, and address health, character, and financial requirements proactively.
Our team minimises the risk of delays, PPI letters, or refusals through precise documentation and strategic representation. Each application is reviewed by experienced professionals to align with policy updates and case officer expectations.
Get in touch with our Immigration Lawyer in Auckland today for personalised guidance and confident representation throughout your visa application process.
FAQs
1. What is a Partner of a Student Work Visa in New Zealand?
The Partner of a Student Work Visa allows the partner of an eligible international student to live and work full-time in New Zealand while the student completes their studies.
2. Can I work full-time on a Partner of a Student Work Visa?
Yes, this visa allows unrestricted full-time work for any employer in New Zealand, subject to standard employment laws and occupational registration where required.
3. Which student qualifications make a partner eligible for a work visa?
Eligibility generally depends on the student studying an NZQCF Level 7–10 qualification that meets Immigration New Zealand’s partnership work visa criteria, including Green List or post-study work eligibility.
4. Do we need to be married to apply for this visa?
No, marriage is not mandatory. We must demonstrate a genuine and stable partnership with evidence of living together, shared finances, and an ongoing relationship.
5. How long is the Partner of a Student Work Visa valid?
The visa is usually granted for the same duration as the supporting partner’s student visa and expires when the student visa expires.
6. Is proof of living together mandatory?
Yes, living together at the time of application is a core requirement. Immigration New Zealand closely assesses cohabitation evidence such as joint leases, bills, or bank accounts.
7. How much money do I need to show for this visa?
Applicants must show at least NZD $4,200 to cover living expenses, although Immigration New Zealand may request additional evidence depending on circumstances.
8. Are medical and police certificates required?
Medical exams or chest X-rays may be required depending on length of stay and country of origin. Police certificates are usually required if the intended stay is 24 months or longer.
9. Can I study while holding a Partner of a Student Work Visa?
Yes, you may study for up to three months in any 12-month period without applying for a separate student visa.
10. What are common reasons for visa refusal?
Applications are commonly declined due to insufficient partnership evidence, ineligible student qualifications, inconsistent documents, or failure to meet health or character requirements.