The New Zealand government has officially introduced new rules for spouse and partner visas in 2025, impacting international students and their families. These changes affect the Partner of a Student Visa category, which allows spouses or de facto partners of international students to live and sometimes work in New Zealand during the student’s course of study.
With India being one of the top source countries for international students in New Zealand, the new zealand spouse visa 2025 rule update is especially important for Indian families planning to move together. These changes reflect the government’s efforts to tighten immigration controls while still allowing essential family reunification under controlled conditions.
Overview of the Partner of a Student Visa
Under New Zealand’s previous rules, international students enrolled in Level 7 or 8 courses in skill shortage areas, or in postgraduate programs, could bring their spouses or partners to New Zealand under the Partner of a Student Visa.
Benefits of the visa included:
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The right to live and work full-time in New Zealand for the duration of the partner’s study
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No labor market test required
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No English test or strict financial conditions for the partner
However, starting in September 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has made several key changes to eligibility, work rights, and application requirements.
What Has Changed in 2025?
1. Stricter Eligibility Criteria for Work Rights
From now on, only partners of students enrolled in:
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Level 9 (Master’s) or Level 10 (PhD) programs, or
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Level 7 or 8 programs specifically listed under skill shortage areas
will be eligible for open work visas.
If the student is enrolled in any other program, their partner can still join them but will only receive a Visitor Visa — not a work visa.
2. English Language Requirement Introduced
Partners applying for a work visa under this category must now demonstrate basic English language proficiency, either through:
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IELTS (minimum band 4.0), or
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Proof of education in English-medium institutions
This is aimed at ensuring smoother workforce integration.
3. Proof of Relationship Enhanced
To curb fraudulent applications, partners must now provide stronger proof of relationship, such as:
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Joint bank accounts
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Rental agreements with both names
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Travel and communication history
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Affidavits from family or community elders
These documents must show at least 12 months of cohabitation prior to application, unless the couple is legally married.
4. Dependent Child Provisions Updated
Children of student visa holders can continue to study in New Zealand, but schooling subsidies will now apply only if both parents are on valid visas (student and partner). Otherwise, international fees must be paid.
5. Work Restrictions Based on Location
Partners with open work visas are no longer allowed to work in certain sectors, such as:
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Adult entertainment
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Certain frontline aged care roles without training
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Jobs restricted by regional labor agreements
These roles will require separate employer sponsorship or Skilled Migrant Category applications.
Why Did New Zealand Introduce These Changes?
The changes come amid rising concerns about:
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Misuse of the partner visa stream for backdoor migration
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Growing housing and job market pressures in urban centers
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Overstaying or breach of visa conditions by some dependent visa holders
According to INZ, the new zealand spouse visa 2025 reforms are part of a strategy to balance migration benefits with sustainable infrastructure and social support systems.
The goal is not to separate families but to ensure that migrants arriving under family categories are financially prepared, genuine, and employable.
Impact on Indian Students and Families
Indian students have historically used the Partner of a Student Visa as a way to migrate with their spouse and start a life in New Zealand while studying. Under the new rules:
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Only those pursuing Master’s or PhD programs in New Zealand will enjoy the full benefit of partner work rights
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Students enrolled in diploma or non-priority bachelor’s programs will need to plan alternate living arrangements for their spouses
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Families may face added visa processing time and documentation challenges
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A rise in split migration planning is expected, where one spouse applies for PR or a Skilled Migrant Visa after finishing their studies
Consultants are now advising students to carefully choose study programs that align with the updated eligibility for partner work visas.
FAQs
Can my spouse work in New Zealand while I study?
Yes, but only if you’re enrolled in a Master’s, PhD, or a Level 7–8 skill-shortage program. Otherwise, your spouse will get only a Visitor Visa.
Do we need to be married to apply for a partner visa?
Not necessarily. De facto partners are allowed, but you must prove at least 12 months of living together and a genuine relationship.
Is an English test now compulsory for partner visa applicants?
Yes, basic English proficiency is now required if the partner is applying for a work visa. This can be proven via IELTS or education background.
Will my child get free schooling if only I have a student visa?
No. Both parents must hold valid visas (student + partner work) for the child to receive schooling subsidies. Otherwise, standard international student fees apply.
Can my partner switch to a work visa later?
Yes, if your partner finds a sponsoring employer or qualifies under another visa category (e.g., Skilled Migrant), they can apply for a new visa while in New Zealand.
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