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 a university or institution and:

• On a course that takes at least two academic years to complete; or
• Working towards a qualification that will give you points under the Skilled Migrant Category 
  • This generally relates to the Long Term and Immediate Skill Shortages List
  • And areas of identified future growth which currently include: biotechnology, information communication technologies (ICT), and creative industries (Advertising, Software & Computing Services, Publishing, TV and Radio, Film and Video, Architecture, Design, Designer Fashion, Music and Performing Arts, Visual Arts).

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 for 12 months or more in duration.

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

You can apply for a temporary work permit once you’ve completed your study. 

You can apply for a 2-3 year work permit If you have completed a course that has a minimum completion time of three years; or a qualification that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category (see above) and you have an offer of employment relevant to your qualifications, you may apply for a 2 or 3 year Study to Work permit (The official name of this work permit is: Practical Experience After Completion of Studies Visa.)

If you don’t have an offer of employment, and you have completed a qualification that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category (see above), you may apply for a Graduate Job Search work permit which will allow you to work for up to 12 months. Note, to be eligible for a Graduate Job Search work permit, you have to apply no later than three months after the end date of your student permit for that qualification.

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

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

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 your 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 or CCUSA  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.