WE1 Who is eligible for a student and trainee work visa

The following people may be granted a work visa under student and trainee work instructions:

1. Medical / dental trainees who wish to fulfil a compulsory training requirement by undertaking practical training in New Zealand, if an immigration officer is satisfied that they:
   1. are appropriately qualified and experienced; and
   2. have a letter of acceptance from a New Zealand hospital; and
   3. are not holders of a student or visitor visa; and
   4. meet funds requirements (see W2.15).

      Note: Registration in New Zealand is not required.

2. Students studying in their home country or any other country (excluding New Zealand see U13.5) who wish to fulfil a programme of study requirement by undertaking practical work experience in New Zealand that is directly related to the programme of study, if an immigration officer is satisfied that they have:
   1. the support of their educational institution; and
   2. an offer of work from a New Zealand educational institution or employer; and
   3. meet funds requirements (see W2.15).
3. Jockeys aged 16 or over who wish to undertake an apprenticeship in New Zealand, if an immigration officer is satisfied that they have:
   1. a job offer from a New Zealand trainer; and
   2. a guarantee of maintenance and accommodation from the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Incorporated; and
   3. a guarantee of repatriation from the individual trainer, should the applicant not continue the apprenticeship.
4. Religious trainees who wish to undertake a formal religious training programme in New Zealand, if an immigration officer is satisfied that they:
   1. have a written confirmation of a place and are sponsored by a religious organisation that meets the requirements set out at WE1.1
   2. meet temporary entry health and character requirements (A4 and A5); and
   3. are not an ‘officer’ or ‘nominated person’ of the religious training institution that is sponsoring them.

      Note: Where an offer of place is held to undertake a programme of study at a tertiary institution (U5.15 or U5.20) that is longer than three calendar months duration, an application for a student visa must be made (U3).

Effective 06/07/2015