New Zealand: Student Worker Hour Permissions

Key Points 

• New Zealand will introduce new work permissions measures for foreign national students beginning 1 October 2024  

Overview  

The government of New Zealand will increase access to part-time work rights for foreign national high school students awaiting the outcome of a family residence visa application beginning 1 October 2024. To be eligible to apply for part-time work rights, you must be an applicant on an already-lodged application for one of the following residence visas: 

• Dependent Child Resident Visa 
• Skilled Migrant Category Visa (either current or pre-October 2023 visa criteria) 
• Straight to Residence Visa 
• Work to Residence Visa 
• Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa 
• Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa 

Applicants must also: 

• Already have or be eligible to apply for a Child of a Worker Visitor Visa or Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa, and 
• Be 18 to 24 years old (inclusive), or 17 years old and have evidence of high school completion. 

Looking Ahead  

Continue to check the government of New Zealand’s website and Envoy Global’s website for the latest updates and information.