Migrant school leavers awaiting the outcome of their parents’ residency applications in New Zealand will soon be permitted to work part-time, according to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford. The new policy is slated to take effect in October 2024, with additional details to be released in the coming weeks.

Presently, these foreign school leavers are not allowed to work in New Zealand. Minister Stanford noted that they often remain on visitor visas for extended periods because they cannot afford international student fees and do not qualify for skilled work visas.

Who Can Apply for Work Rights?

The Ministry of Immigration has outlined specific criteria for migrant school leavers seeking to apply for work rights. To be eligible, migrants must meet the following requirements:

1. Application Status: Must have a pending application for a Dependent Child Resident Visa, Skilled Migrant Category Visa, or any sub-category under the Skilled Migrant Category.

2. Visa Status: Must hold an eligible visitor visa and be a dependent child of a work visa holder, New Zealand citizen, or resident.

3. Age and Education: Must be 17 years old and have completed high school, or be between 18 and 24 years old (inclusive).

Eligible applicants will be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during the summer holidays, similar to the work rights granted to Year 12 and 13 students holding a Dependent Child Student visa.

In addition to migrant school leavers, New Zealand has recently relaxed requirements for spouses of certain international students. Under the new policy, partners of students pursuing level 7 or 8 qualifications listed on the Green List can now apply for a work visa with open conditions.