Working in New Zealand
Under New Zealand Immigration laws, you may work for up to 20 hours per week as an International Student. Students may apply for authority to work under the following circumstances:
- to fulfil course requirements
- up to 20 hours per week during the semester as a foreign student undertaking a course of study for two years
- during the Christmas-New Year holiday period for students who are enrolled for a course of 12 months or more
- on completing their course
- as postgraduate students.
Final decision of work status is made by the New Zealand Immigration Services.
The NZ Immigration Service advises that open work permits will be available to the partners of the following students:
- students enrolled in courses of study towards qualifications in areas of absolute skill shortage
- students enrolled in postgraduate qualifications i.e. levels 8, 9, or 10 on the qualifications table.
Further information may be found by accessing www.immigration.govt.nz
The final decision of work status of dependents is made by the New Zealand Immigration Service.
Under the NZIS guides "New work permit for some graduates" students are advised:
- Any student regardless of institution type who successfully completes a course in New Zealand resulting in a qualification that would get points under the Skilled Migrant Category will be eligible to apply for a six-month open work permit.
- Once they have secured relevant employment they can then apply for either a post-study two-year work permit (currently specified in New Zealand Immigration Services Operational Manual at U7.20.15) or proceed directly to the Skilled Migrant Category.
University Careers Services at The University of Auckland offers advice and information to assist currently enrolled students to plan and achieve their career and employment goals. The services include online information resources, CV appraisal, advice about interview and job seeking strategies, computer-based guidance, interview preparation and job-seeking workshops as well as CV preparation seminars. These services are free to all currently enrolled students and graduates of the University.
Click here to learn how University Careers Services can help you.
If you are an international student, please click here to find out more about resources that you may be particularly interested in.
Please see www.auckland.ac.nz/careerplanning for more information.
