Bring your Family to New Zealand while on a Student Visa
Whether you can bring your partner and children to New Zealand depends on what and where you are studying.
Partner Visas
If you are studying at level 7 or above in a qualification on the Green List, or at level 9 or 10 (master’s or doctoral), your partner may be eligible for a Partner of a Student Work Visa — which grants them open work rights for the duration of your studies. If your partner is granted an Open Work Visa, they can work full time in New Zealand.
For other qualifications, your partner may only be eligible for a visitor visa without work rights.
Dependent Children
If you have school age children, they may be able to attend Primary, Intermediate or Secondary school as “Domestic Students”, again which is dependent upon the tertiary course selected and in most cases your partner’s eligibility for work rights. Alternatively, they may need to pay international student fees. Ask us now to ensure the correct tertiary student course is selected and your family are granted the right visa options.
Additional Financial Requirements
If you are bringing family members, you must demonstrate additional funds on top of the standard living cost requirement for your own international student visa.
Work while studying
