Can my spouse work if I study in New Zealand?

Yes, your spouse can work in New Zealand if you hold a student visa, but there are specific conditions and requirements to be met for this to happen.

Conditions for Your Spouse to Work in New Zealand:

1. Your Study Program:

o For your spouse to be eligible for a work visa, you need to be enrolled in a full-time program of study at a New Zealand tertiary institution (such as a university, polytechnic, or other approved educational institution). The program must be at least level 7 (Bachelor’s degree or above) on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework or be part of a recognized exchange program.

2. Spouse’s Work Visa:

o If you meet the above criteria, your spouse can apply for a partner of a student work visa.

o This type of visa allows your spouse to work full-time in New Zealand while you are studying, as long as the conditions mentioned above are satisfied.

Key Requirements for Your Spouse’s Work Visa:

• Proof of Relationship: You need to provide evidence that you are in a genuine and stable relationship with your spouse (e.g., marriage certificate, joint financial documents, or other relationship proof).

• Your Full-Time Study Status: You must be enrolled as a full-time student in an eligible study program in New Zealand.

• Valid Visa: You must hold a valid student visa while your spouse’s work visa is in effect.

When Can Your Spouse Work?

Once your spouse receives the partner of a student work visa, they can work for any employer and for unlimited hours. This is different from some work visas in New Zealand that may limit the number of hours a person can work per week.

What Happens If the Conditions Are Not Met?

If you are not enrolled in a full-time program that meets the criteria, or if you are studying a program that is below level 7 (e.g., a diploma), your spouse will not be eligible for a work visa. In this case, your spouse will not be able to work while you're in New Zealand on a student visa.

Additional Considerations:

• Dependent Children: If you have dependent children who accompany you on your student visa, they will typically be allowed to study at New Zealand schools but will not be permitted to work.

• Work for Your Spouse After Completion of Study: Once you complete your studies, your spouse might be eligible for a work visa based on your post-study work opportunities or if you both transition to a work visa or residency pathway.

Summary:

If you are a full-time student in New Zealand in an eligible program, your spouse can apply for a partner of a student work visa and work full-time while you study. Be sure to check the latest visa requirements on the official Immigration New Zealand website or consult with an immigration advisor to ensure all conditions are met.