A doctorate degree in New Zealand can be a huge milestone in one’s professional and academic career. However, if one is married and needs to move overseas to pursue the PhD program, then there are additional factors to consider. The spouse’s opportunity to join his or her partner and settle down in New Zealand is a matter of concern for many international students.
The good news is that the immigration laws of New Zealand allow a PhD candidate to support their spouse’s application for a work visa. Such a possibility facilitates finding a solution for married couples who wish to resettle in New Zealand together. However, there is a list of criteria to which the students ought to adhere. The spouse will have to meet the requirements of the corresponding student visa category, and Immigration New Zealand will review the application for approval.
Below are the key points to consider before making the final decision on pursuing a PhD degree in New Zealand.
Can your spouse work in New Zealand on a PhD?
If you are on a PhD in New Zealand, your spouse may be eligible for Partner of a Student Work Visa.
According to the official source, Immigration New Zealand offers Partner of a Student Work Visa to eligible partners of students who have undertaken Level 9 masters or Level 10 doctorates.
PhD, also known as the Doctor of Philosophy, is a Level 10 qualification according to the NZQCF.
This visa lets your partner work in New Zealand even if they do not have a job offer, giving them the opportunity to look for a job when they arrive instead of before they arrive. There are some specific requirements for this visa, which you can review on the official website.
Please note that eligibility criteria apply to both you and your partner, so make sure to check the requirements for PhD students and your student visa. Avoid making any financial or travel commitments until you are confident that your spouse will meet the requirements.
What is Partner of a Student Work Visa?
Partner of a Student Work Visa is designed for eligible partners of international students who are studying in New Zealand.
Partner of a Student Work Visa allows your partner to work and live in New Zealand for the approved time, subject to conditions on your visa.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Partner of a Student Work Visa |
| Eligible student’s qualification | An eligible Level 9 or Level 10 qualification, including a PhD |
| Job offer required before applying | No |
| Work rights | Open work conditions, subject to visa rules |
| Visa duration | Normally the same duration as the supporting student’s visa |
| Minimum funds for the partner | NZD 4,200 for living expenses |
| Relationship requirement | Evidence of a genuine and stable relationship, including living together |
The visa does not guarantee you a job, your spouse will have to find work that suits them and requires no professional registration.
For current fees, processing information and eligibility conditions always refer to the official Immigration New Zealand website, details may change.
Does your spouse have to get a job before they apply?
No, one of the benefits of the Partner of a Student Work Visa is that your spouse does not need a New Zealand job offer to apply
For example, if you get admitted to a PhD programme at a New Zealand university and decide to move with your wife or husband, then your spouse may apply for the relevant work visa using your eligible student status and relationship.
Upon approval of the visa they can start looking for suitable employment.
Depending on their qualifications and experience they could take up jobs in information technology, business, finance, hospitality, administration, engineering or other areas. Some jobs may require your spouse to have local experience, professional registration or recognized qualifications.
It is a good idea to do a bit of research into the job market before you move. Your spouse should also prepare an updated CV, employment references and relevant certificates.
What are the eligibility requirements for your spouse?
Your spouse has to meet Immigration New Zealand’s criteria, and being married to a PhD student is not enough.
There are several requirements that you and your spouse have to satisfy to qualify for the Partner of a Student Work Visa:
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You have to study an eligible qualification
You need to be in an appropriate student visa category, for instance, studying the PhD degree, which falls under the Level 10 category, or be applying for an eligible visa.
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You have to prove that your relationship is real and ongoing
You need to provide Immigration New Zealand with the documents that prove your relationship, and you and your spouse have to be living together when your spouse’s application is being processed.
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Your spouse has to satisfy health and character requirements
To do so, he/she may have to pass certain tests, such as a medical examination or a chest X-ray, and provide police certificates.
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Your spouse has to be able to support himself/herself
At least NZD 4,200 is needed to cover the accommodation costs for the partner in this case.
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You have to support your spouse’s application
A student possibly has to fill out the supporting-partner form and provide information about his or her visa and studies.
Despite meeting all these requirements, your spouse is not guaranteed to receive a Partner of a Student Work Visa, since Immigration New Zealand makes decisions based on evidence provided and the specific circumstances of each case.
How can I prove my marriage or relationship?
This is a key part of the application. A marriage certificate may be useful evidence, but it may not be sufficient evidence that you are living together in a genuine and stable relationship
You should prepare evidence that demonstrates your own particular circumstances.
Some of the following types of evidence may be helpful:
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Joint bank account details, or other evidence of joint financial responsibilities.
- Rental agreement, or other evidence of a shared address.
- Evidence of the length of your relationship and the length of time you have been living together.
- Photographs, travel records or communication records that demonstrate your relationship.
- Other documents that demonstrate that your friends and family acknowledge your relationship.
Do not try to manufacture evidence to support your application. Bring genuine documents that demonstrate the nature of your relationship and your circumstances.
Refer to Immigration New Zealand’s information about partnerships and how to prove them.
How much money does your spouse need?
Your spouse needs to be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves in New Zealand.
The minimum amount under the current Partner of a Student Work Visa requirements is NZD 4,200.
This is the partner’s visa-related living-cost requirement and should not be viewed as a complete cost for a couple living in New Zealand.
You will also need to consider your own PhD-related costs, plus your accommodation, food, transport, insurance where applicable and any other family costs.
For your student visa, Immigration New Zealand generally requires that tertiary students studying for a year or more show NZD 20,000 per year for living expenses or NZD 1,667 per month for courses of less than one year. Tuition fees and outward travel costs must also be considered depending on the requirements applicable to your circumstances.
Official information is available on the student fund requirements page.
If your spouse intends to work here after arrival, do not base an assumed salary on your expected job as the sole financial planning consideration. Employment may take some time to secure and is not guaranteed.
Can I apply for my spouse’s work visa at the same time as my PhD student visa?
An eligible partner can apply for a Partner of a Student Work Visa at the same time as the student visa.
However, your partner work visa application will be approved only after your student visa approval.
Both applications are subject to the requirements.
Before you apply, make sure you have the following information and documents:
- Your offer of place and student visa information.
- Your spouse’s passport and identification documents.
- Evidence of a genuine, stable relationship.
- The required supporting-partner form.
- Evidence of sufficient funds.
- Medical and character documents, if required.
Make sure that your documents have the correct information, such as names, dates and other details.
If any documents are not in English check if an acceptable English translation is required. Applying together may help you to make plans, but there is no guarantee that a visa will be approved.
Can your children join you while you pursue a PhD?
If you’re studying for a PhD at a New Zealand university you might be able to sponsor student visa applications for your dependent children.
Immigration New Zealand differentiates between the family visa options according to the student’s course. PhD students at New Zealand universities can sponsor work visa applications for their partners and student visa applications for their dependent children (subject to respective criteria).
Your children will need to fulfill the criteria for their own visas and can’t simply be added to you’re spouse’s work visa application
You can view the official Immigration New Zealand guidance on bringing family members while studying.
If you’re planning on moving as a family, make sure you consider the visa options, schooling and likely living costs before putting final travel dates.
Can you get a job while on a PhD in New Zealand?
Yes. Immigration New Zealand says students studying for a PhD or a master’s degree by research can work any number of hours, provided they follow the relevant rules and their visa conditions.
This is a contrast to the rules for many other international students, who have a weekly limit on the hours they can work.
But your main focus should be on making satisfactory progress with your research and meeting your university’s academic requirements. Think about how taking up a job would impact on your research timetable, supervision meetings and thesis submission deadlines.
Your spouse’s work visa and your student visa are two separate visas. Both of you must comply with the conditions of your respective visas.
Can your spouse stay in New Zealand for the entire duration for your PhD?
The Partner of a Student Work Visa is generally granted for the same duration as the student visa it supports.
For instance, if your student visa covers the period of approved doctoral study, your spouse’s work visa could be granted for the same period as well, depending on the specific visa details and circumstances of the applications.
If the time taken to complete your PhD exceeds the period of your student visa or if you apply to extend it, you cannot assume that your spouse’s visa will be automatically extended. You should check the requirements and apply for the necessary visa variation in time. Also, they are required to maintain a valid visa to stay in New Zealand lawfully.
Should you speak to a Licensed Immigration Adviser before applying?
If you and your spouse are considering relocation to New Zealand it is always worth researching visa criteria before making any large financial commitments, for example, to education, employment or travel.
A Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA) will be able to advise you on immigration matters relevant to your personal circumstances. Your university will advise you on PhD admission, research requirements, and enrolment conditions.
At West Highlander Immigration Parwinder Kaur is a New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser (IAA licence 201002008) and Australian migration agent (MARA licence 1280308). Students and their families can discuss their visa options with us, and confirm academic requirements with their preferred university.
The best time to seek advice is prior to submitting your application, if you have complex relationship evidence, financial circumstances or family needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can my wife or husband work in New Zealand while I study for a PhD?
Yes. You can usually support your partner’s application for a Partner of a Student Work Visa while studying for a PhD in New Zealand.
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Does my spouse need a job offer before applying?
No. A job offer is not required for the application for a Partner of a Student Work Visa.
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Can my spouse apply for a work visa before my student visa is approved?
You can apply concurrently, but your spouse’s work visa will only be approved after your student visa is approved.
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How much money does my spouse need to show?
The minimum funds for a Partner of a Student Work Visa currently stands at NZD 4,200 for living costs. You may have additional financial requirements for your own student visa.
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Can my children join me in New Zealand during my PhD?
If you are completing your PhD at a New Zealand university, you may be able to sponsor student visas for any dependent children, subject to the relevant conditions.
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Can I work while studying for my PhD?
Students on a PhD are allowed to work without a set weekly hour limit under Immigration New Zealand’s rules.
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Will my spouse’s work visa last as long as my PhD?
The work visa will usually be given for the same length of time as your student visa. Always check the actual dates and conditions on your visa once the applications have been finalized.
