Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The government is allowing migrant school leavers to get part-time jobs while they wait for the outcomes of their parents' residency applications.
Immigration minister Erica Stanford said many young people who were part of a family residence application process were unable to work.
"They can remain on visitor visas for long periods of time because they can't afford international student fees and can't qualify for a skilled work visa," she said.
"We want to ensure that migrants aged 17-24 who are onshore, have completed secondary school and applied for residence can continue to contribute and live a meaningful life in New Zealand."
In order to be eligible, the migrant must already have left high school, and already lodged an application for a skilled residence visa application or dependent child residence visa.
They must also hold an eligible visitor visa, and be a dependent child of a work visa holder or New Zealand citizen or resident.
The change, which is due to be implemented by the end of October, will allow migrant school leavers to work 20 hours a week during the school year, and 40 hours a week over the summer holiday period, in line with the work rights available to Year 12 and 13 students on a dependent child student visa.
Immigration New Zealand will provide further details on how to apply, and the exact implementation date, by 30 August.