New Zealand Expands Work Rights for Dependents of International Students

One of the most common concerns when someone goes abroad to study or make a career is how easy or hard it is for their partners or dependents to accompany them, as per the immigration law of that country. Immigration NZ has tried to address it in the right manner.

INZ has expanded work visa rights for partners or dependents accompanying international students. The accompanying partners can now apply for a “Partner of Student Work Visa’ and enjoy open work rights. The student, however, should be enrolled in Level 7 or Level 8 bachelor’s degree, which implies his direct professional registration in the ‘Green Role List’, which is a list of occupations and professions which are in great demand in New Zealand. These include Healthcare professionals and professionals related to STEM programs to be precise.

For students enrolled in the Green List programs, their children can also enjoy significant benefits. As partners are eligible for open work rights, their children can also apply for a ‘Dependent Child Student Visa’, so they can be considered domestic students and do not have to pay any tuition fees.

The country saw around 69,000 new international students in 2023 across different institutions and courses, which is an increase of 67% when compared to 2022, back at 60% of the Pre Pandemic level where 115,000 international students were enrolled in New Zealand Institutions, across schools, universities, language institutes, and vocational training centers.

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