Partners or children of someone living either temporarily or permanently in New Zealand, can apply for a Student Visa or Permit. The length of time partners and children are able to stay here on a Student Permit will depend on factors such as whether the partner or parent is a New Zealand citizen or resident, or a permit holder.
If the student is…
- a partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident - they may be issued with a Student Visa or Permit for the length of their course.
- entering New Zealand to marry - they may be issued with a Student Visa or Permit for the length of their course.
- a partner or dependent child of someone working in an overseas diplomatic service here in New Zealand – they may be issued with a Student Visa and Permit, unless they are exempt from having to hold a Visa or Permit. Even if exempt, they’ll have to apply for a Student Permit if their partner or parent’s time of service ends during the academic year.
- a partner or dependent child of someone working in their country’s armed forces here in New Zealand - they may be granted a Student Permit for the length of their course or until their partner or parent’s tour of duty ends, whichever comes sooner.
- a partner or dependent child of someone who holds a New Zealand Work Permit - if they’re a primary or secondary school student they’re regarded as a domestic student, so they won’t have to provide evidence that they’ve paid their course fees. If they’re a tertiary student they’ll need to meet our general requirements as an international student, including paying foreign student fees.