As an international student, receiving work rights can be an exciting opportunity to gain valuable experience and support yourself financially. However, it’s crucial to understand the conditions attached to your student visa to avoid jeopardising your future visa applications. Let’s dive into the key points you need to know to stay compliant and make the most of your work rights. 

Understanding Your Work Rights 

International students on Fee Paying Student visas are granted specific work rights, which vary depending on the stage of their course: 

Check Your Visa Conditions 

Your visa’s conditions, including your work rights, are recorded on your eVisa, the visa label in your passport, or in the visa letter you received. If you are allowed to work in New Zealand, you will have work rights. Working without these rights is a breach of your visa conditions and can affect your ability to stay in New Zealand or impact future visa applications. 

Types of Students Who Can Work 

You may be able to work part-time or full-time if you are: 

• A tertiary student 
• A PhD or Master’s student 
• An English language student 
• A secondary school student in Years 12 and 13 with school and parent permission 
• Completing practical experience for your study 

The Risks of Breaching Work Conditions 

While the opportunity to work is beneficial, it’s essential to adhere strictly to the conditions of your visa. Breaching these conditions can have serious consequences, including: 

• Visa Cancellation: If you are found to be working more hours than permitted, your visa may be cancelled. This could lead to immediate deportation and a ban on re-entering the country. 
• Future Visa Applications: A breach of your current visa conditions can negatively impact your future visa applications. Immigration authorities take compliance history seriously, and any violations can reduce your chances of obtaining visas in the future. 

Tips to Stay Compliant 

To ensure you stay within the bounds of your visa conditions, consider the following tips: 

1. Keep Track of Your Hours: Use a time-tracking app or a simple spreadsheet to monitor your work hours each week.
2. Understand Your Rights: Familiarise yourself with the specific work rights granted under your visa category. If in doubt, seek clarification from your educational institution or an immigration advisor.
3. Plan Your Schedule: Balance your work commitments with your academic responsibilities. Remember, your primary goal is to succeed in your studies.
4. Stay Informed: Immigration policies can change. Stay updated with the latest information from reliable sources to ensure you remain compliant.

Working while studying can be a rewarding experience, but it’s crucial to understand and respect the conditions of your student visa. By staying informed and compliant, you can enjoy the benefits of working without risking your future in the country. Remember, your education and future opportunities depend on your ability to adhere to these regulations. 

Stay smart, stay compliant, and make the most of your time as an international student! 

Disclaimer:
We have taken care to ensure that the information given is accurate, however it is intended for general guidance only and it should not be relied upon in individual cases. Professional advice should always be sought before any decision or action is taken.

Source:

[1] https://www.immigration.govt.nz/documents/visa-paks/17-december-2021-work-rights-for-students-pre-and-post-course.pdf