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Partnership Visa Guide
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.
Feel free to navigate the information below to see what is right for you and your partner. For further details and expert advice, reach out to us today and we will be more than ready to serve.
Why you and your partner should start a life in NZ
If you’re looking to settle down and form roots within NZ, we can say with absolute certainty that it is a fantastic choice of location. For you and your partner, there’s a wide variety of choices in regards to education, work choice, locations, culture etc. etc. across the country.
With education, if you and your partner are seeking the means to study, or perhaps for your children, then NZ has primary, secondary and tertiary options. It should also be noted that the education in NZ is ranked in the top 10 of the entire world, so if you are looking for a world-class education for you, your partner and children, NZ is where you want to be.
For work, there’s a large variety of jobs available and many visas that can be suitable to your situation. NZ is currently searching for skilled workers for many roles, so you and your partner could be absolutely suited to start a life here.
The standard of living is exceptional in NZ with a great work-life balance, strong material well-being, paid leave and public holidays.
The overall culture is diverse and accepting as NZ is a melting pot of many different cultures, creeds and beliefs. There are several strong communities for minorities and other smaller groups to find familiarity and companionship.
Finally, the overall locations and natural beauty of NZ is phenomenal. Whether we are talking about the busy cities, friendly towns, or the landscapes of forests, beaches, mountains and greenery - there’s plenty to see and experience, and for you and your partner, plenty of beautiful memories to create amidst the stunning sights.
Overall, NZ is not just a great place to visit, but a solid choice if you are looking to start a life with your partner.
How is a relationship defined (according to Immigration NZ)?
To have Immigration New Zealand (INZ) accept your relationship as official, it has to pass a few universal requirements including:
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).
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:
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.
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?
Partner of a New Zealander Worker Visa
We provide a wide range of services to meet even the most daring requirements.
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.
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.
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.
Licensed
We are fully licensed and trained to take care of all your immigration needs.
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.
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 needed 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
We have extensive experience and can be proud of 10 000+ completed projects.
Study qualifications
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)”.
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.
Partner’s obligations: The supporting partner must complete a 'Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications alongside your application.
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Which visa is right for you?
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