Immigration New Zealand has broadened work visa eligibility for partners of some international students. Accompanying dependants can now apply for a Partner of Student Work Visa with open work rights if their partner is enrolled in a specified level 7 or 8 bachelor’s or bachelor’s (honours) degree that leads directly to professional registration for a Green List role.

Green List roles represent high-demand occupations, such as those in healthcare, STEM, and other key sectors identified by the New Zealand government. This policy change offers more opportunities for families to work while their partners pursue education in these fields.

Additionally, this update benefits the children of Green List-enrolled students. Eligible partners’ school-aged children can apply for a Dependent Child Student Visa, allowing them to study as domestic students without paying tuition fees. This policy currently applies to any partner with a Partner of a Student Work Visa.

The change follows New Zealand’s recent report of full-year enrolment figures for 2023, showing 69,135 international students enrolled—a 67% increase from 2022. However, this figure still represents 60% of the 115,000 international students enrolled in 2019.