If you need work experience to complete or further your study or training, you may be eligible for a work visa or permit under Student and Trainee Work Policy.
There are three categories of students or trainees eligible under this policy.
Students fulfilling a course requirement
Students who want to fulfil a course requirement by undertaking practical work experience in New Zealand must:
- meet our health and character requirements
- provide evidence of support of their educational institution
- provide evidence of an offer of work from a New Zealand education institution or employer.
If you meet these requirements, we may issue you a work visa or permit for the time you require to undertake the training, up to six months. We will apply conditions of work visas and permits that relate to your practical training.
Dental or medical trainees
Dental or medical trainees who want to fulfil a compulsory practical training requirement for their course must:
- meet our health and character requirements
- be appropriately qualified and experienced
- not hold a New Zealand student or visitor permit
- have a letter of acceptance from a New Zealand hospital offering practical training work.
It is not necessary to be professionally registered in New Zealand for this category of work visa.
If you meet these requirements, we may issue you a work visa or permit for the time you require to undertake the training, up to six months. We will apply conditions of work visas and permits that relate to your practical training.
Apprentice jockeys
Jockeys aged 16 years or over who want to undertake an apprenticeship in New Zealand must:
- meet our health and character requirements
- have a job offer from a New Zealand trainer to undertake an apprenticeship in New Zealand
- provide a written guarantee from the New Zealand Racing Conference that accommodation and living costs will be met
- provide a written guarantee from the trainer that they will meet the cost of travel back to your home country, if necessary, if the apprenticeship is not completed.
If you meet these requirements, we may issue you a work visa or permit for up to four years. If you change trainers while you are here you will need to apply to us to change the conditions of your permit.
Apply
If you think you meet all the requirements, find out how to apply.