Work in New Zealand

A requirement needed, before entering New Zealand for educational purposes, is a student visa or permit. The approved visa grants access for the student to enter the country, enrol and study at an approved educational facility.
Note: If you’re enrolled in a course that lasts for three months (or less) and is approved by the new Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) than you only need to apply for a visitor’s visa.

When applying for a New Zealand student visa or permit you must be able to prove the following (this is only a brief overview):

• You have an offer from a government of NZQA approved educational institution
• You are financially stable
• ou can and will meet New Zealand health and character standards
• You have a valid passport

The New Zealand government maintains the right to immediately cancel your permit if you infringe on any of the set conditions that come with accepting a student visa.


Work in New Zealand - International Students

You may be entitled to work on, a part-time basis, up to 20 hours per week in an academic term, and/or full time during the holidays but only if you are either a full-time student enrolled in a course that is 12 months or longer or due to course requirements you need to participate in practical work experience or, as previously stated, up to 20 hours per week during the academic year if:

• You are enrolled full-time in a two year academic course at a tertiary institution or a private training organisation
• You have nearly completed a New Zealand qualification that would be eligible for points under the Skilled Migrant Category
• You are a full-time student in the final two years at a secondary school and have proof of written consent from both the school and your legal guardians.
• You have completed at least one academic year at a tertiary level as a part of an approved tertiary student exchange program
• You are studying full-time for at least six months while enrolled at a private training establishment or tertiary institute, and you have satisfactorily proven that the main focus of your studies is to develop English language skills. To prove this, you must have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall band score of 5.0 or above (General or Academic Module)

If you are a part-time student the conditions are limited to the following:

• You are required to participate in practical work experience and your enrolled course lasts for three or more years.
• You have almost completed a New Zealand qualification that would be entitled for points under the Skilled Migrant Category
• You are studying for a maximum time of nine months, you have proof that the course fees have been paid, the course meets all New Zealand’s foreign student policy requirements and you meet Immigration New Zealand (INZ) standards

Important Note:  New Zealand law strictly forbids any persons on a temporary permit from participating in commercial sexual services in any way, state or form.