Visa English requirements

Does the New Zealand Partner of a Student Work Visa need IELTS?

No. Immigration New Zealand's requirements for the Partner of a Student Work Visa are a supporting partner studying an eligible qualification, a genuine and stable relationship, both of you aged at least 18, NZD 4,200 for your stay, good health and character, and genuine reasons for coming. There is no English test; only documents not in English need translation.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

Which study lets a student support a partner

INZ's bringing family page says a student can support a Partner of a Student Work Visa if studying one of the following. Any student visa holder can support visitor visas for a partner and children.

Student's qualificationPartner work visa?
Level 9 or 10 (master's or doctoral)Yes
Level 7 or 8 specified for a Green List jobMay be eligible
Level 7 or 8 on the list of qualifications eligible for a Post-Study Work VisaYes
Level 7 or 8 on the long-term skill shortage list, study started on or before 7 September 2022May be eligible

The visa itself

The Partner of a Student Work Visa page gives a cost from NZD 1,630 and 80% of applications processed within 6 weeks. The visa normally lasts as long as the student's visa. You can work, study for up to 3 months and travel in and out of New Zealand, with no job offer needed. Police and medical certificates not in English need certified translations.

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Children and the student's own English

A student on a PhD, an approved exchange scheme or an MFAT-funded scholarship can support student visas for dependent children. Otherwise, a partner holding this work visa may support the children's visas instead.

The student's own English is assessed by the education provider, which must declare that the student has the English language ability to pass the course (INZ). See IELTS for a New Zealand student visa. Immigration rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current rule on the INZ Partner of a Student Work Visa page before you book a test or apply. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice.

Frequently asked questions

Does my husband need IELTS to join me in New Zealand while I study?+

No. The Partner of a Student Work Visa lists no English test; your course must be one that can support the visa.

Can a partner of a bachelor's student get a work visa?+

Only if it is a level 7 qualification on the Post-Study Work Visa list or specified for a Green List job. Otherwise a visitor visa may be possible.

How much money does the partner need?+

At least NZD 4,200 for the stay.

Can the partner study?+

Yes, for up to 3 months.

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Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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