Can My Dom Partner Work While I Study?

mgoulet

Hi all. I have looked all over the NZIS Web site, but cannot find the answer to these two related questions:

1. If I enter NZ on a student visa for a lengthy period of study at university, can my domestic partner also get in on a student visa (he is not intending to study)? The NZIS Web site suggests yes, but gives no details, and the application for student visa has no provision for bringing family/partners.

2. Assuming my domestic partner can get in on a student visa, how likely is it that he could get a work permit?

Lee&Nicky · I Like It Here Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 70

See PM, but just to share what we have found.

1. Yes, a partner (and other dependents) also enter NZ on (their own)student visa if the primary applicant is entering on a SV (but beware, students visa only really convey the right to stay in NZ to study as an international student, you don't acquire any other rights of substance or value). As such, all parties entering on SVs are bound by the same rules and regs, so a partner or dependent may work using their SV, even though they themselves are not studying, but they will be subject to all the restrictions to working in NZ that go with having a SV only.

2. I am not sure about the work permit, its worth checking out (with who I can't help at the moment). My gut reaction would be that this is likely to be a no go, if the primary applicant is enering on a student visa. Therefore I think a partner/dependent can only work within the confines of the student visa. I have been advised to tread very carefully if entering NZ on a student visa and then trying to switch to another track when there. I guess the authorities can be a bit suspicious of motive etc (and I think that is fair enough really). Is there any possibility of emigrating using the SMC route and then doing the studying when accepted?

Lee & Nicky