Indian students in New Zealand can sponsor work visas for their partners and student visas for their children — but eligibility depends on the qualification level being studied. Immigration New Zealand restricts family sponsorship based on specific study programs, with updated income thresholds effective 9 March 2026.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Who’s Affected | Indian students on New Zealand student visas |
| Partner Work Visa | Level 7+ on Green List/PSWV list, or Level 9-10 |
| Children Student Visa | PhD or government scholarship students only |
| New Median Wage | NZ$35.00/hour (from 9 March 2026) |
| Family Visa Duration | Expires with the student’s visa |
New Zealand Partner Visa Rules for Student Visa Holders
Not all student visa holders can sponsor a partner for a work visa. Immigration New Zealand sets clear qualification-level requirements:
Partner can get a work visa if you are studying:
- Level 9 or 10 qualification (master’s or doctoral degree)
- Level 7 qualification listed on the Post Study Work Visa qualifications list
- Level 7 or 8 qualification on the Green List (as a requirement or registration qualification)
- Under an MFAT-funded scholarship (excluding Short-term Training Scholarships)
Partner can get a visitor visa regardless of what you are studying — all student visa holders qualify for this.
Indian students studying qualifications below Level 7, or Level 7 programs not on the approved lists, cannot sponsor a partner work visa. The partner can enter New Zealand on a visitor visa but cannot work.
New Zealand Dependent Child Visa for Student Visa Holders
Children’s visa eligibility is more restricted than partner visas. A student can sponsor dependent children for a student visa only if studying:
- A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at a New Zealand university
- Under a New Zealand Government scholarship
- Under an MFAT-funded scholarship (excluding specific training programs)
All other student visa holders can sponsor a visitor visa for their children. Children on visitor visas cannot enroll in New Zealand schools as domestic students.
For students planning their education pathway, the New Zealand Visa Guide covers full entry requirements and application steps.
New Income Thresholds from 9 March 2026
The median wage benchmark — which directly affects family sponsorship eligibility — increased from NZ$33.56 to NZ$35.00 per hour on 9 March 2026. The updated wage thresholds by skill level:
| Skill Level | Hourly Rate (from 9 March 2026) |
|---|---|
| Skill Level 1-3 roles | NZ$28.00/hour |
| Green List roles | NZ$35.00/hour |
| Skill Level 4-5 roles | NZ$52.50/hour |
| Dependent child support | ~NZ$58,240/year |
Family support applications are assessed against the wage rates in effect at the time of submission — not the rates that applied when the student started their job. Indian students earning below the new thresholds should check their eligibility before applying for family visas.
Students unsure about their qualification level or sponsorship eligibility can use the Eligibility Checker to assess their options.
FAQ
Q: Can all New Zealand student visa holders bring their spouse? A: No. Only students studying Level 7 qualifications on the Post Study Work Visa list, Level 7-8 qualifications on the Green List, or Level 9-10 (master’s/doctoral) programs can sponsor a partner work visa. All other student visa holders can only sponsor a visitor visa for their partner.
Q: Can my children study in New Zealand on my student visa? A: Children can get a dependent student visa only if you are studying a PhD at a New Zealand university, or studying under a New Zealand Government or MFAT-funded scholarship. All other student visa holders can sponsor a visitor visa for their children.
Q: What is the new income threshold for family sponsorship in 2026? A: From 9 March 2026, the median wage benchmark increased from NZ$33.56 to NZ$35.00 per hour. For dependent child support, you need approximately NZ$58,240 annual gross income (80% of median wage).
Q: Does my family’s visa expire when my student visa expires? A: Yes. Visas issued to partners and dependent children typically expire at the same time as the student’s visa.