What are the courses under which the spouse of a student may apply for work visa in New Zealand

New Zealand is a beautiful country to study and live. It is one of  the safest countries in the world. It has got a very clear and transparent student visa policy. The benefit New Zealand offers to International students who would like to study in New Zealand makes it one of the favourite study abroad destinations. One of the benefits is the work visa for the spouse of a New Zealand student visa holder.

Below are some of the queries dependents of students studying in New Zealand may have

Can I apply for a work visa as a dependent if my spouse is on student visa in New Zealand?

 
Depending on the course your spouse is doing you may apply for work visa or visitor visa as a dependent spouse of a New Zealand student visa holder.

Under what courses I may apply for work visa as a dependent spouse of a student studying in New Zealand?

 
For you to apply for work visa as a dependent your spouse must be enrolled in either

A course at a level 9 or above at NZQF- New Zealand Qualification frame work

Or

A course at a level 7 or a level 8 provided that course is listed under the Long term skill shortages list.

My spouse is doing a level 8 course. Can I apply for work visa as a dependent/ partner of a student visa holder?

 
In order for you to be eligible to apply for work visa as a dependent of a student visa holder the course your partner is doing must be listed in the long term skill shortage list. An important thing to mention here is that not all courses at NZQF level 8 are listed under LTSSL. So check the Long Term Skills Shortage List to ascertain your eligibility to apply work visa as a dependent spouse.

My spouse is doing Masters in New Zealand which is at Level 9 of the NZQF- New Zealand qualification frame work. The course is not listed in the Long Term Skill shortage list. Can I apply for work visa as a dependent of a student visa holder?

 
Yes you may apply for work visa. A student enrolled in a course at level 9 or above may support work visa application of the spouse irrespective of the fact that the qualification is listed in the LTSSL( Long term skill shortage list ) or not.

My spouse is doing a level 7 course in New Zealand and it is there on the LTSSL. Can I apply for work visa as a dependent spouse?

 
Yes you may as the course is at level 7 at NZQF and is there on LTSSL. Your spouse may support your work visa as a partner of a New Zealand student visa holder.

What is the Long Term Skills Shortage list?

 
Immigration New Zealand on this list identifies the occupations where there is shortage of skilled workers in New Zealand.

Are there some other conditions which I must meet to be eligible for dependent visa?

 
Yes other than the course level condition there are other factors you must satisfy in order to be eligible for a visa as a dependent of a student visa holder. Following is the criteria

You must be in a genuine and a stable relationship with your spouse.

Your relationship must have public recognition

You must fulfil living together criteria

You must be credible in all the information you provide with your dependent visa application to New Zealand as a spouse of a student visa holder.

 
You need to provide range of documents for the case officer to assess your work visa application for New Zealand.

How can West Highlander help me with student visas and dependent spouse visas?

 
We at West Highlander provide range of services free of cost to our clients. We represent education providers and help our clients with admission and visa services. Ms Parwinder Kaur one of the directors of West Highlander is a licensed Immigration Adviser licensed by Immigration Adviser Authority and can give you advice on your spouse related matters.