Partner of a Student Work Visa
The Partner of a Student Work Visa is an open work visa for the partner of an eligible international student in New Zealand. If your partner is studying at an eligible level, and your relationship is genuine and stable, it can let you work in New Zealand while they study. Like the other partner visas, it is generally aligned to your partner's student visa.
Who it’s for
- Your partner is an eligible international student in New Zealand.
- You are in a genuine and stable relationship.
- You want to work while your partner studies.
Eligibility
- Your partner holds an eligible student visa (eligibility often depends on their level or field of study).
- You are in a genuine and stable relationship.
- You meet health and character requirements.
How to apply
- 1Check your partner's study is eligible. Not all student visas let a partner get an open work visa — confirm your partner's level or field of study qualifies.
- 2Gather relationship evidence. Show your relationship is genuine and stable, with living-together and shared-life evidence.
- 3Apply to Immigration New Zealand. Submit your application aligned to your partner's student visa, with health and character documents.
- 4Track your partner's visa. Because your visa aligns to theirs, keep an eye on expiry and any changes.
The evidence that decides it
Every partnership visa rises or falls on one thing: showing Immigration New Zealand your relationship is genuine and stable. Start with our guide on what that means and the evidence that proves it.
Genuine & stable relationship guideFree: Relationship evidence checklist
The exact documents that show your relationship is genuine and stable — emailed to you, with a copy shown on screen.
Common questions
- Does my partner's course matter?
- Yes. Whether a student's partner can get an open work visa often depends on the level or field of the student's study. Check the official INZ page for current eligibility.
- Can I work full-time?
- If you qualify, this is an open work visa. Confirm the current conditions on the official INZ page.
- Is my visa linked to my partner's?
- Generally yes — it's usually aligned to your partner's student visa length and conditions.
- What if my partner finishes study?
- Your options may change when their visa does — many couples move to a different partnership or post-study pathway. Plan ahead.
Get help with your partner of a student work visa
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