New Zealand is a top choice for international students seeking quality education. With its world-class institutions, beautiful landscapes, and high quality of life, many students choose to pursue higher education here, including postgraduate diplomas. As many students leave their home countries to study abroad, it is not unusual for them to want their family members to accompany them. For international students studying a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Diploma) in New Zealand, the option to bring along a spouse is possible through the Spouse Visa.
If you are planning to study in New Zealand and your partner is considering joining you, it is important to understand the available visa options for them. This blog will provide an in-depth guide to the spouse visa for the partners of students studying PG Diplomas in New Zealand, including the process, eligibility criteria, costs, and benefits.
Spouse Visa for Partners of PG Diploma Students
The Spouse Visa allows international students’ partners to join them in New Zealand while they study. This visa is designed to allow the spouse to live with the student and, in some cases, work or study depending on the type of visa applied for. Specifically, New Zealand provides two types of visas for spouses of international students:
- Partner of a Student Work Visa
- Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
These visas allow spouses to either work full-time or visit New Zealand while their partner is studying, based on the type of visa they apply for.
What Is the Partner of a Student Work Visa?
The Partner of a Student Work Visa enables the spouse of a student studying an eligible 7 or 8, or any Level 9 or 10 qualification to work in New Zealand full-time. This type of visa provides more flexibility for the partner, allowing them to financially support themselves while living with their spouse.
What Is the Partner of a Student Visitor Visa?
The Partner of a Student Visitor Visa allows the spouse to visit New Zealand but does not allow them to work. However, this visa still allows the partner to live in New Zealand, explore the country, and study for up to 3 months.
Visa Options for Spouses of PG Diploma Students
Partner of a Student Work Visa
The Partner of a Student Work Visa is specifically for spouses of students studying eligible qualifications like PG Diplomas. This degree must either be on the Green List New Zealand or eligible for a post study work visa. The key benefits of this visa include the ability for the partner to work full-time in New Zealand. If you are planning to bring your spouse to New Zealand with you, this visa provides an excellent opportunity for them to contribute to the household income.
Eligibility for the Partner of a Student Work Visa
- The student must be enrolled in an eligible Level 8 qualification. This degree must either be on the Green List New Zealand or eligible for a post study work visa. PG Diplomas fall under this category, which means spouses of PG Diploma students are eligible for this visa.
- The partner must provide proof of a genuine and stable relationship with the student, which includes supporting documentation such as photos, communication history, joint finances, and more.
- The student must hold a valid student visa to study in New Zealand during the entire duration of the partner’s stay.
Length of Stay
The Partner of a Student Work Visa is granted for the same length as the student’s visa. This ensures that the partner’s visa duration matches the student’s course duration.
Cost and Processing Time
- Cost: The application fee for the Partner of a Student Work Visa is NZD 1630.
- Processing Time: Generally, 80% of applications are processed within 6 weeks.
What You Can Do With This Visa
- Work full-time in New Zealand.
- Live with your spouse while they study.
- Study for up to 3 months.
This visa gives the partner full flexibility, providing the opportunity to find a job and support themselves, or even pursue a career in New Zealand.
Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
The Partner of a Student Visitor Visa is another option for spouses of students. Unlike the work visa, this visa only allows the partner to visit New Zealand without the right to work.
Eligibility for the Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
- The student must be enrolled in an eligible Level 8 qualification (PG Diploma) which means it should either be on the Green List New Zealand or eligible for a post study work visa.
- The student must hold a valid student visa for the duration of their partner’s stay in New Zealand.
Length of Stay
This visa is granted for the same duration as the student’s visa. The partner will have to leave New Zealand when the student’s course is completed or their visa expires.
Cost and Processing Time
- Cost: The application fee for the Partner of a Student Visitor Visa is NZD 341.
- Processing Time: 80% of applications are processed within 10.5 weeks.
What You Can Do With This Visa
- Visit your spouse in New Zealand.
- Explore New Zealand and enjoy the local culture.
- Study for up to 3 months.
Though the partner cannot work on this visa, they can still enjoy a visit and take part in short-term study programs. This option is ideal if the partner is not planning to work in New Zealand and just wants to join their spouse during their studies.
Key Requirements for the New Zealand Spouse Visa
Proof of Relationship
A major requirement for both visas is providing proof of a genuine and stable relationship with the student. New Zealand Immigration expects applicants to demonstrate that they have been living together in a genuine partnership. Evidence may include:
- Photographs together during your relationship.
- Communication history: Emails, messages, or social media conversations.
- Joint finances: Shared bank accounts, utility bills, or other financial commitments.
The longer you have been together, the easier it will be to provide strong evidence of a genuine relationship. Immigration may request more details, so it’s essential to be prepared.
Proof of Funds
For both visa types, the partner must show that they have enough funds to support themselves during their stay in New Zealand. The minimum amount required is NZD 4,200, which should be evidenced by:
- Bank statements
- Credit card statements
- Bank drafts
This ensures that the partner can cover their living expenses while in New Zealand.
Health and Character Requirements
As part of the visa application, applicants will need to meet health and character requirements.
Health Requirements
- Applicants may need to undergo a medical examination or a chest X-ray, depending on the duration of stay.
- For stays less than 6 months, a chest X-ray may not be required. However, a medical certificate may still be necessary.
Character Requirements
- Applicants may be asked to provide police certificates from countries where they have lived for 12 months or more since turning 17.
- If the applicant has been convicted of serious offenses (such as domestic violence or sexual offenses), their visa application may be denied.
- Both the partner and the student may need to meet character requirements, including a police certificate for the student if requested by immigration.
English Language Requirements
If your supporting documents are not in English, you will need to provide certified English translations of any documents in another language. These translations must be accurate and meet New Zealand Immigration’s standards.
Relationship Evidence for the Partner Visa
To be eligible for the visa, you must be living together at the time of application. Immigration will ask for evidence that you share a household and have a genuine, ongoing relationship.
Application Process for New Zealand Spouse Visas
Steps to Apply
- Collect Documents: Gather all necessary documents such as proof of the relationship, financial documents, the student’s visa details, and your passport.
- Complete the Application: The application can be done online or at the nearest New Zealand consulate.
- Submit Application and Pay Fees: Submit the application and pay the visa fee (NZD 1630 for a work visa or NZD 341 for a visitor visa).
- Wait for Processing: Processing times typically range from 6 weeks for the work visa to 10.5 weeks for the visitor visa.
Documents Checklist
- Proof of relationship: This includes your marriage certificate or other forms of partnership evidence.
- Evidence of funds: Bank statements or other financial documents showing at least NZD 4,200.
- Medical and police certificates: If requested.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Ensure all documents are complete: Missing or incorrect documents can lead to a delay in processing.
- Provide evidence of a genuine relationship: The more comprehensive your evidence, the stronger your application.
Rights and Benefits of the New Zealand Spouse Visa
Partner of a Student Work Visa
- Work Full-Time: The partner can work full-time, contributing to the household income.
- Live with Your Spouse: The partner can live with the student for the duration of the student’s course.
- Study: The partner can study for up to 3 months while in New Zealand.
Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
- Join Your Partner: The partner can join the student in New Zealand.
- Explore New Zealand: The partner can explore New Zealand and engage in tourism and short-term study.
- Study: Limited to 3 months of study.
The spouse visa offers a wonderful opportunity for international students studying in New Zealand to bring their partner along. Whether through a work visa or a visitor visa, this arrangement allows the spouse to either work or visit New Zealand and join their partner during their studies. The process is straightforward, but it is important to follow all requirements carefully to ensure a smooth and successful application.
West Highlander Immigration
If you’re planning to study in New Zealand and want your spouse to join you, make sure to apply early, gather all necessary documents, and meet the health and character requirements. With the right preparation, you can bring your partner along and enjoy your time in New Zealand together. If you want guidance from a professional, make sure to reach out to Ms. Parwinder Kaur, a Licensed Immigration Advisor at West Highlander Immigration.