[Keith C.]

I'm hoping that somebody has some good inputs on a couple of questions. I've been accepted to a Ph.D. program in NZ. The government seems to be encouraging foreigners to get their PhDs, by giving NZ tuition rates. It's very exciting, but some of the wording regarding spouses leaves me feeling uncertain.

In a policy statement by the Minister of Education, there is the following sentence. "The partners of all international postgraduate students are able to apply for an open work permit valid for the duration of the student's course of study." What does that mean exactly? Couldn't almost anybody apply for a permit? I'd feel much more comfortable if it said that the spouse would generally be granted a permit (unless a homicidal maniac, etc.).

Similarly, the StudentSafe medical insurance policy state "Any partner or child of, or person related to, an International Student insured under this Policy, can apply to and be accepted by us as insured under the Policy." It's nice that they "can apply," but does anybody know how likely it is that the spouse would be accepted?

Thanks,
Keith

[kanatakiwi]

I'm hoping that somebody has some good inputs on a couple of questions. I've been accepted to a Ph.D. program in NZ. The government seems to be encouraging foreigners to get their PhDs, by giving NZ tuition rates. It's very exciting, but some of the wording regarding spouses leaves me feeling uncertain.

In a policy statement by the Minister of Education, there is the following sentence. "The partners of all international postgraduate students are able to apply for an open work permit valid for the duration of the student's course of study." What does that mean exactly? Couldn't almost anybody apply for a permit? I'd feel much more comfortable if it said that the spouse would generally be granted a permit (unless a homicidal maniac, etc.).

Similarly, the StudentSafe medical insurance policy state "Any partner or child of, or person related to, an International Student insured under this Policy, can apply to and be accepted by us as insured under the Policy." It's nice that they "can apply," but does anybody know how likely it is that the spouse would be accepted?

Thanks,
Keith

well here's my guess:

I think its kiwispeak for you can apply and unless you a homicidal maniac etc, you will generally be granted a permit. similarly unless you have dreaded disease or health condition you will likely be accepted for the medical policy. I think they are just covering themselves for those unusual situations where they cannot issue a work permit, or they cannot include your spouse on medical policy.

[dilanium]

Hi Keith,

I'm in a similar situation as you. I got into the Vet school, and since it ends with a qualification that is on the LTTSL my husband is entitled a work visa. This is different from most other undergrad students as their partners get visitors visas and then can apply for work visas if they meet the standard qualifications (Such as having a job offer).

This will really make things easier for your spouse as many NZ employers will not hire someone who doesn't already have a work permit.

And so long as your spouse doesn't have massive medical issues I'm pretty sure they'd be approved under the student insurance. ;)

:)

[Destiny]

I was really interested to read this thread as this may effect our application.

My husband has been accepted on a post graduate course which will qualify him for a job on the long term skill shortage list. I have not found any information about me being allowed a work visa because of this and I am just about to submit my application for a visitor visa.

If I can apply for a work visa this could really change our application as I would then be able to work. Any help on finding out information on this matter would be extremely helpful.

Thanks

Destiny

[dilanium]

Destiny, get one of the work visa applications and read through it. It has all the information on there about what is needed for a spouse (student) to support another on a work visa.

[BlueDevil]

We went through this as my wife is a phd student with a research group that moved en masse from the US to NZ. Initially we weren't sure how much trouble I would have (little in the end it turns out ) and we pursued the idea of her as the primary.

They were very accommodating and said the spouse could get a work permit. The question I didn't ask is if the work permit would be for 2 years; the magic length you need to get the social benefits, like health coverage and essentially the benefits of residency.

The caveat of "may apply," is as stated above, to allow them to turn down people on dialysis, needing a heart transplant or who recently committed genocide (this is one of the questions I was asked: Have you ever committed genocide or crimes against humanity).

Dilanium - congrats on vet school, that must feel great. Drop me a note if you come over.

Regards,

Chris

[ers99w]

yay! Other people with a similar dilemma! (ok, not really 'yay.' ) I'll be applying as the partner of my boyfriend, who is getting his phd at u. auckland. He still has to send in his paperwork...we're waiting on the FBI background check to come back for that.
...I assume I can only send in my paperwork once his is in, since i'm applying as a partner visa based on his acceptance?

the websites are really vague about this issue, I must say.

[dilanium]

Nope send them in at the same time. And you will get your visas at the same time for the same length of time. (Also get started with your FBI background check, they can take a long time).