What are the main benefits?

If you qualify for the Partner of a Student Work Visa, you may be able to:

• Live in New Zealand while your partner studies
• Work full-time (if your partner is studying an eligible course)
• Travel in and out of New Zealand freely

Depending on your partner’s study programme, this visa can give you open work rights — meaning you can work for any employer in New Zealand without needing a job offer.

Work rights: Will you be allowed to work?

Work rights are available only if your partner is studying a course that meets Immigration New Zealand’s requirements. This usually means:

• A Level 7 or higher qualification (such as a degree, graduate diploma, or postgraduate diploma) in an area of absolute skill shortage, or
• A Level 9 or 10 qualification (Master’s or PhD) in any subject

If your partner’s course qualifies, you may receive an open work visa. If it doesn’t, you may still be able to apply for a partner visitor visa, which allows you to live together but not work.

Key eligibility criteria

To be approved, you must show that:

Your relationship is genuine and stable

INZ will assess how long you’ve been together, how you support each other, and whether your relationship is likely to continue.

You have lived together

INZ generally expects couples to have lived together for at least 3 months. If you haven’t, you’ll need to explain your situation and provide evidence of your bond.

You meet health and character requirements

Depending on your country of citizenship and how long you intend to stay, you may need to undergo a medical examination or provide police certificates.

Your partner holds a valid student visa and is studying an eligible course

You must provide proof of their visa and enrolment details.

What evidence do you need?

Immigration New Zealand takes an evidence-based approach to relationship visas. You’ll need to show that your relationship is genuine and stable. This often means proving that you’ve built a life together. The exact evidence will depend on your situation. We’ll help you understand what’s most persuasive and how to present it in the strongest way.

Application process: Step by step

Check your partner’s course

Make sure their qualification meets the requirements for you to apply for a work visa.

Gather your documents

Prepare identity documents, relationship evidence, medical checks (if needed), and police certificates (if applicable).

Apply online

Most partnership-based applications are submitted through INZ’s online system.

Wait for a decision

INZ processing times vary. Most decisions take 1 to 3 months, though this can be longer for complex cases.

Receive your visa

If approved, your visa will generally match the length of your partner’s student visa.

Can you apply from outside New Zealand?

Yes. You can apply from outside New Zealand or from within the country (if you hold another visa). If applying from overseas, strong evidence of your relationship becomes even more important.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not understanding whether your partner’s course qualifies for work rights
• Submitting weak or inconsistent relationship evidence
• Forgetting to include key documents like your partner’s visa and enrolment
• Assuming marriage alone is enough, INZ needs to see proof of your life together

Getting the visa is not just about ticking boxes — it’s about telling your story clearly and with the right evidence.

What about children?

If you have dependent children, they may be eligible for a visitor visa or a student visa. In some cases, they may even qualify as domestic students if you are granted a work visa.

Each case is different, so it’s best to check what applies in your situation.

Why choose Visa Matters?

At Visa Matters, we specialise in partnership-based visa applications. We understand the stress that comes with proving a real relationship to a government agency, especially when one partner is studying and things are already busy.

We help you:

• Understand if you qualify for work rights
• Build a strong and credible application
• Avoid delays or visa refusals
• Present your relationship clearly and honestly

We’ve helped many clients reunite with their student visa partners — and we know what INZ expects.

Final thoughts

If your partner is studying in New Zealand, you don’t have to be apart. The Partner of a Student Visa category offers a valuable way for couples to stay together, live in New Zealand, and plan their future as a team. But like all immigration pathways, it’s important to get the details right.

We’re here to help you avoid mistakes, meet INZ’s expectations, and increase your chances of approval.