Navigating Partner of a Student Work Visa New Zealand
- iclegalnz
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
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
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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