Want to work while you study?

Here’s what you need to know.

Your student visa is not a work visa. But there are some times when you’ll be able to take a job and experience even more of the New Zealand lifestyle.

While you’re studying, you can work for up to 20 hours a week during the academic year if you are studying full-time on a student visa at NZQA approved university or education provider and:

• On a course that takes at least two academic years to complete; or
• On an approved, full-time tertiary student exchange scheme that is at least one year; or
• Engaged in a full-time course of study for a minimum of 6 months where the primary purpose of the course is to develop english language skills and you have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall band score of 5 or above. 

You may also be able to work full-time during the Christmas-New Year holiday period at the end of each academic year if you’re studying a course which is 12 months or more in duration.

Want to work in NZ upon completion of your studies?  Here’s what you need to know

If you have finished a New Zealand course that has a minimum completion time of three years, you can apply for a temporary work visa. Or, you may qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category.

If you don’t have an offer of employment, you may apply for a Graduate Job Search work visa (WD2) which will allow you to work for up to 12 months. Please be aware that if you want to be eligible for a Graduate Job Search work visa, you have to apply no later than three months after the end date of your student visa for that qualification.  You will also have to show evidence of a minimum of NZ$2,100 available to maintain yourself during your 12 month stay in New Zealand.

If you have an offer of employment, relevant to your qualifications, you may apply for a 2 year* Study to Work visa (WD1) (The official name of this work visa is: Pratical Experience After Completion of Studies Visa)

* This work visa may be granted for 3 years if you are working towards obtaining membership or registration from a New Zealand professional association which requires more than two years of relevant practical work experience.

To get more details on these work visas, click here.  And to obtain an application form, click here.

If you want to work and travel, consider a Working Holiday Scheme.

Or, if you completed your studies overseas......

You can apply for a Silver Fern Job Search visa.  This visa is best for highly skilled people, aged 20-35, with a recognised qualification.  Valid for up to nine months, this visa allows you to come to New Zealand to search for work.  Click here to find more information on the Silver Fern Job Search visa.

It's important to note that only 300 Silver Fern Job Search visas are granted each year.

Once you've successfully found skilled employment on the Silver Fern Job Search visa, you'll be eligible to apply for a Silver Fern Practical Experience visa.  This allows you to work in New Zealand for up to two years.

If you want to work and travel, consider a Working Holiday Scheme.

Keep in mind, you may also qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category.

FAQs

What kind of work is likely to be available in the Christmas and New Year period?
It’s summertime in New Zealand during this time. So, along with all the usual student jobs like restaurant and bar work, you might also be able to find seasonal work harvesting fruit, working in vineyards, or working at a holiday resort. But remember, you can only work during the holiday period if you are studying in a course that is 12 months or longer! 

What if I just want to travel around and work a bit?
If you’re under 30 years of age, consider the Working Holiday Scheme (if you’re under age 35, a private scheme through BUNAC offers a similar visa option). This gives you 12 months to travel around New Zealand and work in temporary employment. You can apply for a Working Holiday visa before or after your Student Visa, or you can apply for a Working Holiday Scheme Visa if you change your mind about studying here.