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Partner of a Student Work Visa
VisasNew ZealandPartner of a Student Work Visa
New ZealandNew Zealand•Oceania
Open

Partner of a Student Work Visa

Work Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 months

Estimated Cost

NZ$1,630 NZD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Same duration as the partner’s student visa

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Official Information

Overview

Open work-rights visa for partners of qualifying postgraduate or Green List students in New Zealand; NZD 1,630 application fee.

The Partner of a Student Work Visa lets the partner of a qualifying international student live and work in New Zealand for the same duration as the student's visa. Issued by Immigration New Zealand, it requires a genuine, stable relationship and a supporting partner studying a level 9 or 10 qualification, or a Green List or Post-Study Work Visa level 7 or 8 qualification.

The application fee is NZD 1,630 and 80% of decisions are issued within 6.5 weeks. The visa carries open work rights with no employer or job-offer requirement, and allows short-term study of up to 3 months. Applicants must show NZD 4,200 in funds and meet health and character checks. It does not lead directly to permanent residence.

This visa is ideal for partners of postgraduate or Green List-qualified students who want full work rights in New Zealand during their partner's study.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be in a genuine and stable relationship with the supporting partner and living together

Supporting partner must hold a New Zealand student visa studying a level 9 or 10 qualification, or a level 7 or 8 qualification on the Green List or Post-Study Work Visa list (MFAT-funded scholarship students also qualify)

Must have at least NZD 4,200 in funds for living expenses

Must meet health and character requirements

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Proof of a genuine and stable relationship (cohabitation, shared finances, communications, third-party recognition)

Evidence of the supporting partner's student visa and qualifying enrolment

Proof of at least NZD 4,200 in maintenance funds

Valid passport or travel document

Health certificates (medical and chest X-ray where required)

Police certificates where required (typically for stays of 24 months or longer)

Completed Form INZ 1146 (Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Open work rights — work for any employer in any role
  • No job offer or employer sponsorship required
  • Issued for the same duration as the supporting partner's student visa
  • Allows short-term study of up to 3 months during the visa
  • Travel in and out of New Zealand permitted
  • Application processed in 6.5 weeks for 80% of cases
  • NZD 4,200 funds threshold is modest compared with most NZ work-visa categories

Worth Knowing

  • Visa duration tied to the supporting partner's student visa — expires when their visa expires
  • Only granted if the partner's student visa is approved
  • Supporting partner's course must be a qualifying NZQF level 9 or 10, or Green List / Post-Study Work Visa level 7 or 8
  • Genuine and stable relationship evidence (cohabitation, shared finances) is mandatory
  • Application fee is NZD 1,630, payable per applicant
  • Supporting partner is studying a qualification that is not on the qualifying NZQF level 9/10, Green List, or Post-Study Work Visa lists
  • Relationship is not deemed genuine and stable by Immigration New Zealand
  • Cannot meet health or good-character requirements

Application Process

1

Verify the supporting partner's course is on the qualifying qualifications list (NZQF level 9/10, or Green List / Post-Study Work Visa level 7/8)

2

Supporting partner completes Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications (INZ 1146)

3

Gather relationship evidence (cohabitation, shared finances, communications, recognition by others)

4

Submit the application online via Immigration Online together with health and character documentation

5

Wait for the supporting partner's student visa to be granted — the work visa is only issued if their visa is approved

Application Forms

Immigration Online PortalFill online
INZ 1146 — Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry ApplicationsFill online

Verified Claims (10)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application Steps
Verify the supporting partner's course is on the eligible qualifications list (NZQF level 9/10, or G…
immigration.govt.nz
Forms
Immigration Online Portal; INZ 1146 — Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry…
immigration.govt.nz
Forms · INZ 1146 — Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications · optional
false
immigration.govt.nz
Forms · Immigration Online Portal · optional
false
immigration.govt.nz
Official Info
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/partner-of-a-student-work-visa/
immigration.govt.nz
Petitioner
family
immigration.govt.nz
Processing Estimates
{"minDays":46,"maxDays":46}
immigration.govt.nz
Processing Time
80% within 6.5 weeks
immigration.govt.nz
Official Information

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