In July 2024, the New Zealand government announced it will increase access to part-time work rights for migrant high school leavers who are awaiting the outcome of a family residence visa application. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has now confirmed that this change will come into effect on October 1, 2024.
- Those who are eligible and already on a visitor visa will be able to apply for a variation of their visitor visa conditions to get these work rights from October 1, 2024.
- Those who are eligible and applying for a visitor visa will be able to apply for work rights as part of their visa application from October 1, 2024.
Eligibility
An eligible applicant for part-time work rights must be an applicant on an already-lodged application for one of the following residence visas:
- Dependent Child Resident Visa
- Skilled Migrant Category Visa (either current or pre-October 2023 visa criteria)
- Straight to Residence Visa
- Work to Residence Visa
- Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
- Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa.
They must also:
- already have or be eligible to apply for a Child of a Worker Visitor Visa, or Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa, and
- be 18 to 24 years old (inclusive), or 17 years old and have evidence of high school completion.
Those who are eligible will be able to work up to:
- 20 hours per week between February 1 and November 30, and
- 40 hours per week between December 1 and January 31.
These are the same work rights for Year 12 and 13 students on a Dependent Child Student Visa. This change makes sure the same work rights are available across visas open to migrant school leavers awaiting a residence decision
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.