The Partnership Visa is a popular immigration option for individuals with a New Zealand partner. It provides a pathway to live, work, and study in New Zealand and access to healthcare and education.
We will provide an overview of the benefits of a NZ Partnership Visa, eligibility requirements, the application process, common issues, and testimonials from successful applicants.
Discover why you should dive into this article now because it explains how the Partnership Visa can transform your life in New Zealand by allowing you to live, work, and enjoy essential services alongside your partner.
Benefits of NZ Partnership Visa
Ability To Live and Work in New Zealand
The Partnership Visa allows you to live with your partner in New Zealand. This will enable you to explore the country, find employment, and build a life together.
Access To Healthcare and Education
As a Partnership Visa holder, you and your partner can have access to New Zealand’s healthcare and education systems. This includes access to public hospitals, doctors, and schools.
Pathway To Permanent Residency and Citizenship
After living in New Zealand on a Partnership Visa, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. Once you have permanent residency, you can apply for citizenship and become a New Zealand citizen.
This gives you the right to vote, work, and live in New Zealand permanently.
Types of NZ Partnership Visas
- Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa
- Partner of a Worker Work Visa
- Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
- Partner of a Student Work Visa
- Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa
- Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
- Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
Eligibility Requirements for NZ Partnership Visa
Partner Up for a Future in New Zealand
If your partner is a New Zealand citizen/resident or holds (or applies for) a student or work visa, you could qualify for a partnership visa to join them.
This visa category also offers permanent residency opportunities if you’re in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen/resident.
Your partner in New Zealand must support your residency application. You must provide evidence of living together in a committed relationship for Immigration New Zealand to consider your application.
Partners of Workers and Students
If you are in a relationship with someone with a temporary work or student visa, you may be eligible for a visa based on your partnership. This will depend on various factors such as the duration of their visa, the course they are studying, or their occupation.
Recognition of Relationship
To prove your relationship to Immigration New Zealand, you must provide supporting evidence.
- Relationship timeline
- Correspondence to the same address
- Utility bills
- Joint bank account statements
- Support letters
- Photos, etc.
- Temporary or residency
For You:
To be eligible for a partnership visa in New Zealand, you must either be in the country on another visa or plan to move to New Zealand to join your partner.
Additionally, you must prove that you are in a genuine, stable relationship, have lived together for at least 12 months, and meet health and character requirements.
For Your Partner:
Your partner, a New Zealand citizen or resident, must demonstrate that they can support you financially and must not have any domestic violence-related offences or sexual convictions.
Additionally, they must not have sponsored more than one partner for residence within the last 5 years.
If your partner is an Australian citizen or resident visa holder living in New Zealand, they must show that New Zealand is their primary place of residence.
Application Process For NZ Partnership Visa
Step-By-Step Guide to The Application Process
- Determine eligibility for a partnership visa based on Immigration New Zealand’s requirements.
- Gather all necessary documents and evidence to support your application.
- Complete and submit the application form and pay the application fee.
- Attend a biometric information appointment if required.
- Wait for your application to be processed and reviewed by Immigration New Zealand.
- Attend an interview, if requested by Immigration New Zealand.
- Wait for a decision on your application.
Documents Required for Application
- Proof of partnership, such as joint bank account statements, shared rental agreements, and/or photographs together.
- Identification documents, such as passports and birth certificates.
- Proof of English language proficiency, if required.
- Police clearance certificates from all countries where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
- Medical certificates, if required.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of the Partnership Visa application varies based on factors such as your country of origin, location when applying, and submission method. In addition, expenses for medical exams, police records, and translation may apply.
Unfortunately, there are no refunds in case of a declined application. To find out the exact application cost based on your circumstances, check INZ’s fee finder.
Reasons for Being Declined and Common Mistakes
- Failing to accurately assess whether their partner is eligible for a partnership visa
- Failing to document their relationship thoroughly
- Providing evidence that is insubstantial and/or of poor quality
- Immigration NZ is not convinced that your partner is an eligible New Zealand citizen or resident
- The immigration officer is not satisfied that your relationship is genuine and stable
- The immigration officer is not satisfied that you have lived with one another for the required period of time
- Either you or your partner are already married or in a civil union with another person
- You don’t meet health and character requirements
