Partnership Visas

Navigating a partnership visa can be tricky when migrating to New Zealand, but it’s the aim of Zenith Immigration Solutions to make that journey as easy as possible for you and your partner. Whether it be seeking avenues to gain permanent residency, work visas or understanding the immigration process, we’ve got you covered.

Below are general helpful details for those wishing to apply for a visa based on partnership. However, we understand that situations can vary considerably from person to person. So for more in-depth aid and personalised advice for your unique circumstances, contact our licensed experts for professional advice. 

How is a relationship defined?

To have Immigration New Zealand accept your relationship as official, it has to pass a few universal requirements including:

    Living circumstance: The couple must be residing within the same household.
    Age: The couple must be 18 or older (or have the consent of your parents/guardians if the couple are aged 16 or 17).
    Status: The relationship can be a legal marriage, a civil union or a de facto relationship. 
    Familiarity: The couple must have met each other before applying for the visa. 
    Seriousness: The relationship must be stable and genuine. 
    Prohibition: The couple cannot be close relatives. 

How is a relationship proven?

Proving your relationship with your partner is legitimate and long-lasting can be tricky as a lot of proof is required. Such proof includes: 

    Relationship authenticity: This can include things like marriage certificates, your children's birth certificates, jointly owned things (such as bank accounts, assets, credit cards), photographic proof that you have been together, records of communication (such as chat logs) and letters of support that endorse you and your partner's relationship. 
    Living circumstances: This shows you and your partner have been living together for a decent amount of time. This can include things like proof of joint ownership (like a home loan), rental agreements/receipts, documentation showing a joint address, or joint utility accounts (like a power bill). 
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What if my partner and I haven't always lived together?

This can be the case for some, particularly those who are part of a long distance relationship. Under such circumstances you will likely be asked to provide:

    Explanation: You will need to provide reason as to why you and your partner have lived separately to explain your unique circumstance.
    Longevity and distance: You must show how long you've lived separately.
    Communication: You must show how you were able to communicate at a distance in order to maintain your relationship.

What doesn't count as proof of a relationship?

There are a few aspects that will not be considered proof when trying to prove the longevity and seriousness of your relationship. Take careful note of the following:

    If your partner has their own home and is regularly maintaining, while you are spending time together in each other's home.
    If you are on holiday and share a residence together.
    If in the same household, you two are residing as flatmates.

Let us make sure you and your partner are reunited

With our fully licensed advisers and strong work ethic to ensure your immigration experience is nothing but smooth sailing, we encourage you and your partner to reach out if you have any questions regarding all matters of the visa application process, big or small. No problem is too complex especially since your circumstance matters to us. Let us provide you with unforgettable and stress-free service.

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Visas for supporting partners

The information below are the different avenues and visas that you can apply for in order to bring your partner to New Zealand.For reference, the person who holds the New Zealand visa/is a New Zealand Citizen is the “supporting partner” during the partnership visa application process. 

Partner of a New Zealand Resident Visa

This visa allows your partner to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely. It also allows a pathway to permanent residency after having this visa after a 2 year period. Finally, you are able to include your dependent children in this application (if they are 24 years or younger). 

    What is required to obtain this visa?
    Status of the supporting partner: The supporting partner must be a New Zealand citizen or resident. 
    Living and relationship circumstances: The applicant must be living with their supporting partner in a serious and legitimate relationship.
    Support: The applicant's visa application must be supported by their partner.
    Overall profile: The applicant must be of upstanding moral character (police certification may be required) and decent health (a chest X-ray and medical examination may be required).
    Special circumstances:
    If your partner has a New Zealand residence through an Australian passport, Australian residence or Resident Return Visa, they must live in New Zealand. 
    If your partner is a New Zealand citizen and you have been living together overseas for at least five years, you may receive a Permanent Resident Visa. 

Partner of a New Zealander Worker Visa

This visa allows the applicant to be employed while living in New Zealand, as well as study up to 3 months. They are also able to travel in and out of New Zealand during the duration of the visa. 
Note: If the applicant has lived with the supporting partner for less than 12 months, then their visa will be for a year. More visas can be applied for and granted for up to 3 years total. 
If the applicant has lived with their partner for more than 12 months, then their visa will be for up to 3 years total.

    What is required to obtain this visa?
    Support: The applicant's visa application must be supported by their partner.
    Living and relationship circumstances: The applicant must be living with their supporting partner in a serious and legitimate relationship.
    Finance: The applicant must have enough money to live in New Zealand (or have an acceptable sponsor).
    Intent: The applicant's reason for coming to New Zealand must be honest and legitimate.
    Overall profile: The applicant must be of upstanding moral character (police certification may be required) and decent health (a chest X-ray and medical examination may be required).
    Supporting partner's obligations: They must be eligible to support the applicant’s application. They must also be eligible to support a partnership-based resident visa application within 12 months.
    Please note there are some exclusions for supporting partners that must be considered including:
    Your partner must not have supported a successful resident visa application for more than one previous partner. 
    In the past 5 years, the supporting partner must not have supported a successful resident visa application for more than one previous partner. 
    In the past 5 years, the supporting partner cannot have included a previous partner in their own successful residence application.
    In the past 5 years, the supporting partner cannot have themselves been included as a partner in a successful residence application.
    In the past 5 years, the supporting partner cannot have been liable for deportation or have their deportation liability suspended.

Why Choose Us?

Here are some solid reasons why you should work with us.

Experience

We have helped hundreds of people, just like you, looking for an opportunity to start a life in NZ with their partner

Free consultation

We understand you must have questions before you commit to a new service. That's why we offer a free consultation to relieve any questions and to show you, directly, when we're the best choice.

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Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa

This visa allows the applicant to join their partner while they are in New Zealand. During this time, the applicant is permitted to explore New Zealand as a visitor as well as study for up to 3 months. Further, dependent children can be included in this visa application. Before your visa expires, you may be able to apply for residency (dependent upon your partnership).

Note: If you have lived with your partner for less than 12 months, your visa duration will be up to 1 year (you can apply for additional visas to stay up to 3 years). If you have been with your partner for more than 12 months, then your visa duration will be up to 3 years.

Please also be aware that the applicant will not be able to work while on this visa, though they may be permitted to work remotely for an off-shore employer. 

    What is required to obtain this visa?
    Support: The applicant's visa application must be supported by their partner.
    Living and relationship circumstances: The applicant must be living with their supporting partner in a serious and legitimate relationship.
    Finance: The applicant must have enough money to live in New Zealand (or have an acceptable sponsor). 
    Overall profile: The applicant must be of upstanding moral character (police certification may be required) and decent health (a chest X-ray and medical examination may be required).
    Exit plan: The applicant must have the means to be able to leave New Zealand at the end of their stay. 
    Supporting partner's obligations: They must be eligible to support the applicant’s application. They must also be eligible to support a partnership-based resident visa application within 12 months.
    Please note there are some exclusions for supporting partners that must be considered including:
    Your partner must not have supported a successful resident visa application for more than one previous partner. 
    In the past 5 years, the supporting partner must not have supported a successful resident visa application for more than one previous partner. 
    In the past 5 years, the supporting partner cannot have included a previous partner in their own successful residence application.
    In the past 5 years, the supporting partner cannot have themselves been included as a partner in a successful residence application.
    In the past 5 years, the supporting partner cannot have been liable for deportation or have their deportation liability suspended.

Partner of a Student Visitor Visa

This visa allows the applicant to visit New Zealand if their partner is studying here. The applicant will be able to study for up to 3 months, as well as explore New Zealand as a visitor. Dependent children (ages 19 or younger) can also be included in this application. You can apply for this visa at the same time your partner applies for a student visa. However, you will not receive this visa if your partner's visa is not approved. 
Note: You cannot work while on this visa. However, you may be able to work remotely for an off-shore employer.

    What is required to obtain this visa?
    Support: The applicant's visa application must be supported by their partner.
    Living and relationship circumstances: The applicant must be living with their supporting partner in a serious and legitimate relationship.
    Finance: The applicant must have enough money to live in New Zealand (or have an acceptable sponsor). 
    Exit plan: The applicant must have the means to be able to leave New Zealand at the end of their stay. 
    Overall profile: The applicant must be of upstanding moral character (police certification may be required) and decent health (a chest X-ray and medical examination may be required).
    Identity: this must be proven with official documentation. 

Partner of a Student Work Visa

This visa is to work in New Zealand if the applicant's partner is studying for an eligible level 7 or 8 qualification, or a level 9 or 10 qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). It allows the applicant to join their partner while they are studying in New Zealand, as well as work. They are also able to study up to 3 months. Finally, they are able to travel in and out of New Zealand as they please while their visa is valid. 

    What is required of the applicant to obtain this visa?
    Partner's visa status: You must have a partner who has a New Zealand student visa, is studying an eligible qualification and can support your application. 
    Living and relationship circumstances: The applicant must be living with their supporting partner in a serious and legitimate relationship.
    Funds: You must have at least NZD $4,200 to cover living expenses. 
    Overall profile: The applicant must be of upstanding moral character (police certification may be required) and decent health (a chest X-ray and medical examination may be required).
    Intent: You must have legitimate and honest reasons as to why you wish to come to New Zealand. 
    Official form: A copy of the completed “Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications (INZ 1146)” by your partner. 
    What is required of the supporting partner?
    Visa status: The supporting partner must have a New Zealand student visa or is applying for one. 
    Study qualification: The supporting partner must be studying toward one of the following:● A level 9 or 10 qualification specified on the NZQCF.● A level 7 or 8 qualification specified on the New Zealand Immigration “Green list.” ● A level 7 or 8 qualification eligible for a Post Study Work Visa.● A level 7 or 8 qualification on the Long Term Skill Shortage List (if your study started on or before 7 September 2022). 
    Official form: The supporting partner must complete the “Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications (INZ 1146)”.

Seeing NZ with a partner is a wonderful experience

You should be able to plant roots, see the wonders of NZ and live an enriched life with your significant other. Going through the process of getting a visa can dampen that experience since it can be complicated. But it doesn't have to be. 

Learn more
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Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa

This visa allows the applicant to join their partner in New Zealand while their partner is on a work visa, as well as explore New Zealand as a visitor. The applicant is also permitted to study up to 3 months. Dependent children can also be included in this visa application.
Note: The applicant will not be able to work while on this visa. However, they can work remotely for an off-shore employer. 

    What is required to obtain this visa?
    Partner’s visa status: The applicant’s partner must have a valid work visa while in New Zealand. 
    Living and relationship circumstances: The applicant must be living with their supporting partner in a serious and legitimate relationship.
    Funds: The applicant must have NZD $1000 for each month they are in New Zealand, or $400 for each month if they already have paid-for accommodation.
    Exit plan: The applicant must have the means to be able to leave New Zealand at the end of their stay. 
    Overall profile: The applicant must be of upstanding moral character (police certification may be required) and decent health (a chest X-ray and medical examination may be required).
    Intent: You must have legitimate and honest reasons as to why you wish to come to New Zealand. 

Partner of a Worker Work Visa

This visa lets the applicant work in New Zealand while their partner is on a work visa. It also offers the applicant the opportunity to study for up to 3 months. Further, the applicant is able to travel in and out of New Zealand provided their visa is valid. 

    What is required to obtain this visa?
    Partner’s visa status: The supporting partner must have a work visa while living in New Zealand. 
    Living and relationship circumstances: The applicant must be living with their supporting partner in a serious and legitimate relationship.
    Overall profile: The applicant must be of upstanding moral character (police certification may be required) and decent health (a chest X-ray and medical examination may be required).
    Finance: The applicant must have enough money to live in New Zealand (or have an acceptable sponsor). 
    Intent: You must have legitimate and honest reasons as to why you wish to come to New Zealand. 
    Exit plan: The applicant must have the means to be able to leave New Zealand at the end of their stay. must have legitimate and honest reasons as to why you wish to come to New Zealand. 
    Partner’s obligations: The supporting partner must complete a 'Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications alongside your application.

Do have any questions about

Which visa is right for you?
Complex or unique circumstances for you and your partner?
A more in-depth explanation about any Partnership Visas
Which pathway is best for you and your partner?

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Welcome to Zenith Immigration Solutions. Founded by Sukhpreet Kaur - A Licensed Immigration Adviser. We handle New Zealand immigration matters.

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Copyright © 2017 Zenith Immigration Solutions

Welcome to Zenith Immigration Solutions. Founded by Sukhpreet Kaur - A Licensed Immigration Adviser. We handle New Zealand immigration matters.

Contact Us

Thank you!

We will contact you shortly.

Can't send form.

Please try again later.

Find answers to your questions by booking a consultation

Book a consultation

Copyright © 2017 Zenith Immigration Solutions