Immigration New Zealand has announced the expansion of work rights for partners of certain foreign students, aiming to make the country more attractive for international education and skilled migration.
New visa eligibility
Under the new policy, accompanying dependents can now apply for a Partner of Student Work Visa with open work rights if their partner is studying for a degree that leads to a qualification in a high-demand employment sector. This specifically applies to those enrolled in “specified level 7 or 8 bachelor’s or bachelor’s (honours) degrees that lead directly to professional registration required for a Green List role.”
High-demand occupations
The Green List roles encompasses occupations that the New Zealand government has identified as being in high demand. It also details the necessary qualifications, registration or experience required for these pathways. These roles span various sectors, including healthcare and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, which are fundamental to the country’s economic growth and development.
Moreover, the Green List determines if certain jobs qualify under Tier 1, which can facilitate a Straight to Residence Visa or Tier 2, which can lead to a Work to Residence Visa.
Benefits for families
Immigration New Zealand’s new policy is poised to benefit not just the partners but also the families of these students. For eligible partners with a Partner of a Student Work Visa, their dependent school-aged children shall be treated as domestic students. This means that these children can apply for a Dependent Child Student Visa, exempting them from paying tuition fees.
Impact on international enrolment
This policy change is timely, coming on the heels of New Zealand’s full-year enrolment figures for 2023, which revealed a substantial recovery in the international education sector. The country’s educational institutions, ranging from schools and universities to language institutes and vocational training centres, collectively hosted 69,135 international students last year. This marks a 67% increase in total foreign enrolment compared to 2022. Additionally, this represents 60% of the pre-pandemic levels in 2019, when over 115,000 international students were enrolled.
New Zealand’s appeal
The expanded work rights for accompanying dependents are expected to further boost New Zealand’s appeal as a study destination, potentially further accelerating the recovery of the international education sector to pre-pandemic levels. By facilitating easier access to work for partners and reducing education costs for their children, New Zealand highlights its commitment to supporting international students and their families, reinforcing its reputation as a welcoming and supportive destination for global talents.
To stay updated on further industry insights and updates in New Zealand and other major study destinations, please visit our blog or contact our business development experts for more information.
