Work After Studies New Zealand
Can I work during the academic year?
You may be granted a ‘Variation of Conditions’ to your Student Permit to allow you to work for up to 20 hours in any given week during the academic year and during any holidays within the academic year (an offer of employment is not required), if you are a student:
- undertaking a full-time course of study culminating in a New Zealand qualification that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category of residence policy; or
- undertaking a full-time course of study at a Private Training Establishment or Tertiary Institution, of at least 2 academic years' duration; or
- undertaking a full-time, full secondary school year course of study in Years 12 or 13, provided you have written permission from your school and written parental consent; or
- engaged in a full-time, course of study of at least 6 months' duration at a Private Training Establishment or Tertiary Institution, and a visa or immigration officer is satisfied that the primary purpose of a course of study is to develop English language skills, and you have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall band score of 5.0 or above.
Note: No person who holds a Student Visa and/or Permit may work in self-employment, or provide commercial sexual services or operate or invest in a business of prostitution.
Can I work during the Christmas and New Year holidays?
If you have a Student Permit you may be granted a Variation of Conditions to allow you to work during the Christmas and New Year holiday period at the end of each academic year, provided you are undertaking a full-time course of study of 12 months' or more duration. An offer of employment is not required.
Can I work after I have completed my studies, if I have an offer of employment?
If you have:
- successfully completed a course in New Zealand that had a minimum completion time of 3 years; or
- successfully completed in New Zealand a qualification that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category of Residence Policy; and
- evidence of an offer of employment relevant to that course or qualification; and
- evidence that your Work Permit application is being made no later than 3 months after the end date of your Student Permit for that course or qualification; or
- evidence that you are a holder of a Graduate Job Search Work Permit
you may apply for a Work Permit for a maximum of 2 years to obtain practical experience suitable to your qualification.
Can I work after I have completed my studies, if I don’t have an offer of employment?
If you have:
- successfully completed a qualification in New Zealand that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category of Residence Policy; and
- evidence that you have a minimum of $2,100 in funds available to maintain yourself; and
- evidence that your Work Permit application is being made no later than 3 months after the end date of your Student Permit for that qualification
you may apply for a Graduate Job Search Work Permit for a maximum of 6 months.
Note: You are not eligible for a Graduate Job Search Work Visa or Permit if you have previously been issued or granted a Work Visa or Permit under this policy.
Partners of holders of Student Visas and/or Permits
A partner (either opposite or same sex) of a person holding a Student Visa and/or Permit to study towards:
- postgraduate qualifications, or
- qualifications in areas of absolute skill shortage as specified in the Long Term Skill Shortage List
may apply for and be issued a multiple entry Work Visa and/or granted a Work Permit for the same period as the Student Visa and Permit held by their partner. You do not need to provide an offer of employment.
You must be living in a genuine und stable partnership, and meet the minimum requirements for recognition of a partnership. You also need to provide evidence to demonstrate that you are living together with your partner in a genuine & stable partnership at the time your application is made as well as evidence of the duration of your relationship. You will also need to supply a letter of support from your partner.
