Partner of a Student: when can your partner get an open work visa?
If your partner holds (or is applying for) a New Zealand student visa and you want to work while you join them, the Partner of a Student Work Visa may be the open-work option — with no New Zealand job offer required first.
This visa lets you do any legal work (including sole trade / owning a business under open-work rules from April 2026), study for up to 3 months, and travel in and out of New Zealand. The stay usually aligns with the supporting partner’s student visa.
Your supporting partner must hold or be applying for a student visa and be studying towards one of these:
- an NZQCF level 9 or 10 qualification
- a level 7/8 qualification specified for a Green List role (Appendix 13)
- a level 7/8 qualification on the Qualifications eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa list
- a level 7/8 qualification on the Long Term Skill Shortage List — if study started on or before 7 September 2022
If your partner’s study is not in an eligible category, you may only be able to join on a visitor pathway based on partnership — not open work.
Other points to check
- Both partners are usually aged 18+, living together in a genuine and stable relationship
- The supporting partner completes form INZ 1146
- Minimum funds around NZD $4,200, plus health and character requirements
- Dependent children apply separately after you hold the work visa
- INZ guidance fee from about NZD $1,630; around 80% of applications decided in about 5 weeks (guidance only, not a guarantee)
If you need a hand, Be Visa can help you check the study pathway and partnership evidence before you apply. Message Helen on Zalo/WhatsApp +64 204 599 996.
Source: Immigration New Zealand — Partner of a Student Work Visa / visas for partners of students. Always re-check INZ before you apply.