A Practical And Sensible Approach To Partnership Visas In New Zealand

If you have established a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand resident or citizen and have commenced living together during your stay in the country, applying for a partnership visa allows you to remain in New Zealand alongside your partner.

If you are currently holding a visa that permits you to stay in New Zealand for an extended period or provides a path to citizenship, there is no compulsion to apply for a partnership visa. Nevertheless, if you and your partner have decided to make New Zealand your permanent home or if it is impractical to take your partner to your home country after your visa expires, a partnership visa presents an excellent opportunity for both of you to settle down together.

What are the main requirements that must be satisfied for a Partnership Visa?

The main requirements that must be satisfied for a Partnership Visa is:

• You must be above the age of 18 (or 16-17 with parental consent).
• You should be in good health.
• You must be involved in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand resident or citizen who holds a Residence Permit or Citizenship.
• For work and residence visas, you must currently be residing together.
• It is necessary to provide adequate evidence of your relationship.
• Meeting the character requirements, which includes obtaining a police check, is necessary.
• Mutual financial support between partners is expected.
• Shared finances, such as a joint bank account, bills, and assets, should be evident.
• The relationship should be publicly acknowledged and should be known to family and friends.
• It is essential to demonstrate a strong commitment to sustaining the relationship for an extended period of time.
• Your partner cannot be a close relative such as parents, daughter, sister or first cousin.
• Meeting the qualifications as an eligible sponsor is a prerequisite for your partner.

In New Zealand, partnership visas uphold inclusivity, extending to couples of diverse genders and sexual orientations, and acknowledging same-sex partners and marriages through government recognition. The country embraces the rainbow community, with widespread support from both the government and the majority of its populace. The assessment for a partnership visa primarily focuses on establishing the genuineness and stability of the relationship, while considering eligibility for residing, working, or studying in New Zealand, without taking into account gender or sexual orientation.

When applying for a partnership visa, you have the option to include your dependent children. In the partnership visa application, children who are unmarried and below the age of 24, residing with you, and dependent on you financially can be included. Having legal custody of your children is a requirement that must be met. When relocating the children from another country, it is essential to have verifiable evidence confirming legal permission to facilitate their transfer from their country of origin. The same identity, character, and health criteria that apply to the principal applicant, who is the parent/legal guardian, must also be met by the children included in the partnership visa application.

To be an eligible sponsor, your partner must meet certain criteria:

• They need to have a valid New Zealand resident visa or Citizenship.
• To be eligible, they must exceed the age of 18(or 16-17 yrs with parental consent).
• Within the last 5 years, they have not sponsored another person on a partnership visa.
• For a partnership visa, they have not sponsored more than 1 other person.
• If they wish to sponsor someone for a partnership visa, they must have resided in New Zealand for a minimum of five years on their own partnership visa. Additionally, they should expect inquiries about the specific circumstances leading to the end of their previous relationship and the rationale behind it.
• In order for them to be eligible for the visa, they must meet the same character requirements as you.
• Sponsoring you may not be possible if they have a history of domestic violence convictions.

Is a Partnership Visa the most favorable option for your visa requirements?

If you are already holding a different visa type that grants long-term or indefinite stay in New Zealand, applying for a partnership visa may not be necessary. Your existing visa could adequately support your ongoing relationship and life in New Zealand without hindrance. It is advisable to seek guidance for further information.

In the scenario where you possess a skilled migrant work visa that provides a route to residency, and subsequently, citizenship, it may be simpler to follow the path you have already embarked upon and maintain your stay in the country. Having residency already eliminates the need for a partnership visa. However, if you haven't obtained residency, it is important to evaluate the visa options that are most suitable and convenient for your personal situation, while ensuring that you meet the required criteria. Regardless of the visa route, it is vital to declare your relationship.

If you recently started your relationship and your current visa is nearing its expiration, there are potential risks to consider. It might be more beneficial to extend your current visa while you work on accumulating evidence of your relationship and establish a year of living together before proceeding with a partnership visa application. Keep in mind that if your relationship started just a month ago or you haven't yet moved in together, immigration officers are highly unlikely to perceive it as a "genuine, stable relationship."

Even if you are married, if you lacked a relationship prior to or after the marriage for more than a year, you could encounter challenges when applying for a visa. Past cases have demonstrated instances where individuals married shortly after meeting overseas, mistakenly assuming it would automatically grant them residency in New Zealand. However, immigration officers who handle partnership visas are well-aware of various fraudulent schemes. They employ methods to assess the authenticity of a relationship based on New Zealand standards, regardless of whether the marriage may be considered genuine in other countries.

Based on the particular criteria you meet and the stage and duration of your relationship, you have the flexibility to choose from a range of partnership visas that best align with your needs and circumstances.

It's important to note that applying for a partnership visa can be a time-consuming process, even if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you qualify for more than one visa category, you can consider which option will be the quickest and most straightforward for you to obtain in order to continue your residence in New Zealand.

Seeking assistance from an Immigration Adviser can greatly improve your chances of achieving a successful visa outcome. Explore comprehensive guidance on choosing the best immigration adviser in Auckland.

At Derrick Jones Immigration, our Licensed Immigration Adviser(LIA) can assist you in determining the most suitable visa for your individual circumstances. We are well-versed in a wide range of visa types and are able to provide you with a comprehensive knowledge base. We exclusively specialize in New Zealand visas for those wishing to remain in the country. This means that our expertise is highly pertinent and not limited to a limited number of visa types, making it difficult to remain up-to-date. For those seeking a visa that allows them to remain in New Zealand for an extended period of time, we are able to provide assistance.

Are you considering reaching out for assistance with your visa application?

If you're looking to get a partnership visa, there are lots of reasons why you might need help. Maybe your English isn't as good as you'd like for the paperwork and requirements. Maybe you're not sure if you meet the requirements and want to make sure your visa is successful. Or maybe it's too much work for you and you don't have the time or energy to do it all yourself. Partnership visas can be a big job, so it's a good idea to get help. Not only can an expert immigration adviser help you put together your application, but they can also make sure your evidence is accurate and you've filled out the forms correctly. That way, you'll have a better chance of getting the visa you want. Plus, they can suggest which evidence is accepted for partnership visas, so you have the best chance of staying with your partner.

Before you begin your application, we strongly recommend that you obtain assistance from an immigration advisor. In this way, if you make a mistake, your time and effort won't be wasted. From the beginning, you will be heading in the proper direction. Our services include helping you stay organized, guaranteeing that important documents are never misplaced. We present them in a manner that facilitates easy understanding for whoever reviews your application. We have an extremely high success rate with our clients, so you can relax knowing you have the very greatest chance of getting the visa you want.

Too frequently, small mistakes or missing paperwork lead to visa denials or lengthy processing times. Our LIA will help you avoid unnecessarily lengthy delays and visa denials due to simple technical errors.

If you have any questions or need assistance, give us a call at:

☎+64 20 4000 1036(NZ)
☎+91 95 3956 9999(IND)

Visas Falling Under This Category

In the partnership category, there are three types of visas: Visitor, Work and Residency. The requirements vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. The resident visa requires the most evidence and has a longer relationship duration of 12 months or more.

At Derrick Jones Immigration, we specialize in visas for people who already live in New Zealand but want to stay longer or permanently. We can't help with visitor visa applications from outside New Zealand, but if you're already on a partner visa, we can help you get a longer-term work or residency visa so you can stay with your partner in New Zealand.

Visitor Visas of Partners

If you're looking to visit your partner in New Zealand on a temporary basis, there are four types of visitor visas you can apply for. New Zealand knows how important it is for you to be able to physically meet your partner when they're abroad for a long time, so they've made it easier for you to do so. A visiting visa is typically valid for 90 days, or 3 months in total, but in exceptional circumstances, it may be extended for 6 months, 9 months, or even 12 months.

1. Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
2. Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa
3. Partner of Military Visitor Visa
4. Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa

These visitor visas are only for a short time, so you'll need to show proof that you want to move back home before your visa ends. You'll also need to show that you're in a relationship and have enough money or your partner does to cover your living expenses for the whole period.

If things change or your partner gets a new visa and you want to stay here with them, you'll need to apply for a different one. For example, if your partner gets a long-term work visa or residency, or if they finish studying and get a new visa, then you'll want to stay there with them. But they'll need to have gained the new visa while you're here. It's possible that you don't live together during your first time in New Zealand and then your relationship grows, like when you get a marriage proposal.

In order to secure a long-term stay in New Zealand with your partner, your next course of action would be to apply for either a work or residence visa. It is of utmost importance to approach the application process with utmost care and honesty, ensuring that you do not engage in any fraudulent activities or misrepresent your intentions. Your visa application to stay long term could be denied and you may be deported, if it is revealed that you entered New Zealand with the intention of staying beyond your visa period.

For in-depth and thorough information about Visitor Visas, we suggest referring to the comprehensive content on our dedicated Visit Visas Page.

Work Visas of Partners

You will require a work visa, if your intention is to work in New Zealand and extend your stay beyond what a visitor visa allows. Your partner's work visa can pave the way for obtaining a partner's residence visa, if your relationship continues and you have lived together for over 12 months.

1. Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
2. Partner of a NZ Scholarship Student Work Visa
3. Partner of Military Work Visa
4. Partner of a Student Work Visa

To be eligible for a partner's work visa, you must fulfill the following criteria:

• Providing valid evidence that supports the authenticity and stability of the relationship.
• Residing together and jointly managing financial commitments and responsibilities.
• Meeting the health and character prerequisites specified by the immigration authorities.
• Obtaining public recognition and acknowledgment of the relationship.
• Possessing sufficient financial resources, in the form of salary or savings, to sustain oneself throughout the entire duration of the applied visa, which can range from 1 to 2 years.

Depending on the specific type of partner work visa you apply for, the requirements may vary slightly.

Please be aware that when submitting an application for a partner work visa (or a visitor visa), it is not possible to include dependent children within the same application. They must apply individually, seeking a visa based on their relationship with you. Including dependents in a partner's residence application is permitted, utilizing the same forms for convenience.

With a partner's work visa, you have the opportunity to engage in short-term educational endeavors lasting up to 3 months. This includes activities like enrolling in English language courses to enhance your skills, as well as participating in job-related training such as first aid courses or attending brief workshops.

It is customary for visa applications to be processed within an estimated timeframe of 7 months, at which point you will receive a decision.

To access additional details regarding Work Visas, we recommend visiting our Work Visa Page.

Residency of Partners

In this category, there is a single visa option that becomes accessible once you have lived with your New Zealand partner for at least 12 months.

With a Resident Visa in hand, you have the advantage of being able to work and study in New Zealand without any restrictions. You have the flexibility to choose any employer and occupation for employment purposes, and you are not obliged to work or study in order to maintain your Resident visa.

Partner of a New Zealand Work Visa

At this particular stage, it is customary for your partner to have already obtained residency, granting them the ability to transfer it to you. In the event that your partner has not acquired residency, both of you will need to depend on work visas until your partner fulfills the necessary conditions and becomes eligible for a Resident visa.

The visa requirements can be summarized as follows:

• Your partner must be eligible to act as a sponsor.
• Your partner must hold either New Zealand residency or citizenship.
• Both you and your partner must have resided together for a minimum of 12 months.
• Meeting the character requirements involves obtaining recent police checks.
• It is crucial to provide substantial evidence that demonstrates the authenticity and stability of your relationship.
• Health requirements necessitate undergoing a medical examination, including a chest x-ray, conducted by a doctor.
• Both you and your partner must provide sufficient proof of identification, such as a passport.

In your application, it is possible to include dependent children who are under 24 years old and depend on your financial support, under your legal custody, and currently single (not relying on an adult partner for financial assistance). These dependents are also expected to meet the same health and character requirements as you for this visa.

If your partner holds New Zealand residency based on their Australian Citizenship, they must be residing in New Zealand for you to be eligible to apply as a partner of an Australian citizen.

You may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency without the standard waiting time of two years after obtaining Residency, if you and your partner have been living together outside of New Zealand for a period exceeding 5 years. This provision is specifically designed for New Zealanders who wish to return to their home country with their partners and children for settlement. However, this provision does not apply, if you and your partner are already residing in New Zealand. To meet the criteria, your partner must be outside of New Zealand at the time of application or have been back in the country for less than 3 months.

Normally, it takes approximately 12 months to receive a decision on your visa application.

To access additional information about Partners Residence Visas, please visit our Partnership Visas Page.

Demonstrative Evidence for Verifying Your Partnership

To demonstrate the genuineness and stability of your relationship, it is important to provide a range of evidence. Immigration officers give significant weight to proof of living together and shared financial obligations. Sharing finances and jointly managing financial burdens, such as household bills, are strong indicators of a long-term commitment. It is advisable to prioritize assembling financial evidence and accumulate as much supporting documentation as possible.

Whether you choose to compile a large folder or a small box, having a substantial collection of evidence will be beneficial for your application.If you choose to apply online, keep in mind that each piece of evidence must be uploaded individually.

Below are a few examples of evidence that can be utilized to demonstrate the authenticity and stability of a relationship:

• Marriage or Civil Union Certificate
• Dated rental agreements in both your names
• Joint home loan
• Joint bank accounts
• Joint Credit Card accounts
• Child/Children’s birth certificates
• Photos together (preferably dated, try to provide a decent quantity from different times)
• Communication between you both over time, social media, cards, emails etc
• Proof that others are aware of your relationship and see it as serious (such as invitations to family events in both your names, Christmas cards to you both, photos with family etc)
• Evidence of leisure time spent together (such as fun days out or holidays away)
• Assets which you own together, in both your names
• Joint bills (electricity, internet etc) or each paying some of the bills at the same address
• Mail addressed to you together at the same place and time
• Evidence of and a letter explaining any time apart and how you kept in touch in that time

Including a timeline of your relationship, starting from when you first met until the time of application, can be a valuable addition. To enhance the visual presentation, you may consider including a selection of photos that correspond to significant events or specific months of your relationship.

Adding photographs to your evidence is crucial, and it's worth noting that Facebook posts have time stamps, which can be valuable in this context. By capturing screenshots of these posts, you can showcase the public nature of your relationship while also indicating the specific timing of each event. Consider including printed screenshots that capture important milestones, such as when you announced your relationship online, engaged in leisure activities and trips, posed with family and friends, or shared moments together in your home. For increased credibility, it is recommended to incorporate printed photographs from diverse sources instead of relying solely on one platform.

It is advisable to keep copies of all your evidence in case of loss or misplacement during the mailing or review process. If you choose to work with us, we will make copies of your evidence and securely store them in our offices on your behalf.

When applying for a visa, it is crucial to prioritize honesty. If there are doubts regarding the genuineness of your relationship, your visa application may be rejected. It is also important to declare any previous visa denials on future applications to any country. Providing false information to an immigration officer is a serious offense that can have long-term consequences for your stay in New Zealand.

If you have concerns about the adequacy of your evidence, we can evaluate it on your behalf.If we assess that your application is unlikely to succeed, we will not proceed with it, allowing us to explore alternative visa options or provide suggestions to improve your application. Our aim is to ensure that you and your partner can continue your life together in New Zealand without any hindrances.

The Process of Application

The application process for visitor, work, and residence partner visas follows a similar structure, although there are minor variations in the required evidence and conditions to fulfill.

Depending on the type of visa being applied for, the processing time can vary, with visitor visas typically taking less than 4 months, work visas under 7 months, and residence visas under 12 months to be processed. It is crucial to bear in mind that while waiting for a decision on your visa application, it is necessary to possess a valid visa to comply with immigration requirements. If your current visa is expected to expire during this waiting period, it is vital to promptly contact immigration authorities or seek our guidance to explore suitable avenues for extending your current visa. This will help ensure that your stay in New Zealand remains legal.

To support your visa application, your partner must complete and sign a Partners Support Form, which you will submit along with your application. Additionally, you will be asked to provide supporting documentation, including identification, police clearance, health assessment, and evidence of financial means if necessary.

When submitting your visa application, it is your responsibility to complete and send the application form with the relevant supporting documentation. Make sure to include your partner's support form and any accompanying evidence as the sponsor.

You have the choice to submit your application electronically or by traditional mail. However, if you choose to enlist the support of an immigration adviser, he will handle the entire submission process on your behalf. Online submissions offer secure storage, eliminating concerns about documents being lost in transit or during the review. Nonetheless, after visa approval, you may still be required to send your physical passport for visa insertion.

Once your application is allocated for review, the assessing officer will contact you via email if any further clarification or evidence is required. Then, you will enter the waiting period. The decision outcome will be communicated through a mailed decision letter. In some cases, if you have an online portal set up on the Immigration NZ site, you may receive a general notification stating that a decision has been made, without specifying the actual decision.

Keeping your contact details updated is crucial during the decision phase to ensure effective communication and timely notification of the decision outcome.

By partnering with us at Derrick Jones Immigration, we will take care of the entire process, including managing all communication with Immigration New Zealand, providing you with a hassle-free experience.

In case you have any uncertainties along the way, please feel free to reach out to us at

☎+64 20 4000 1036(NZ)
☎+91 95 3956 9999(IND)

Our team is dedicated to providing support and resolving any concerns you may have. With our extensive knowledge, we are well-equipped to guide you through the process and explain how your application will be evaluated.

Covid-19 : The Corona Virus Impact

Although we cannot offer an exact timeframe for the return to normalcy, we can offer informed estimates. The shift to level 1 in the alert system is a promising sign, allowing businesses and government agencies to function without restrictions.

The demand to promptly reintroduce specific immigration categories, particularly for partners and skilled migrants, is rising, as they are highly valued by New Zealanders. Once visa applications resume, these categories are expected to be prioritized accordingly.

New Zealand's current Covid-19 measures impose strict limitations on entry, permitting only a limited number of non-citizens or non-permanent residents to enter the country. These individuals must undergo a 14-day managed isolation period and present negative test results before entering the community. There are expectations that the entry restrictions will be reevaluated, possibly before the next year.

The Partnership Visa Category remains open to provide a crucial pathway for New Zealanders residing in the country to be with their loved ones, avoiding separation, despite the prevailing uncertainty. The government acknowledges the challenges faced by separated couples and families and is actively working with experts to devise a plan for reopening the border. Entry exemptions are granted to individuals reuniting with partners and family, as well as those who cannot leave or apply for visa extensions. We hold confidence that certain visa categories, particularly the Partnership Visa Category, will be reopened in the future.

Even before applications resume, our team at Derrick Jones Immigration is ready to assist you in preparing ahead of time, giving you an advantage when the doors open again. By having all your documents ready in advance, you can potentially avoid lengthy waiting times for results. While certain aspects of the application have time-sensitive elements, the majority can be prepared ahead of time, and the final documents can be added later before submission.

Feel free to contact us for the most up-to-date information on border updates, or visit our regularly updated Latest News page.