What is a New Zealand Partnership Visa?
If you’re the partner of someone with a visa in New Zealand, you might qualify for a Partner visa. The type of visa and how long it lasts depend on your partner’s visa and how long you’ve been together.
With a partner visa, you can stay in New Zealand for as long as you meet the rules. This visa is all about keeping families together and giving partners of New Zealand residents a chance to live here permanently.
Who is Eligible?
This is for couples who have a real and steady relationship with someone who lives in New Zealand.
Eligible relationships include:
- Married couples
- Couples in civil unions (whether they’re opposite-sex or same-sex)
- Couples in de facto relationships (whether they’re opposite-sex or same-sex)
- Couples who aren’t legally married or in a civil or de facto partnership but can show that they’re in a serious and lasting relationship.
Remember, the relationship has to be real and steady, which means it’s exclusive and likely to endure.
Visa Charges (NZ Immigration)
The price of applying for a Partnership Visa changes depending on various things like where you’re from, where you apply from, and how you apply (online or by mail).
You might also need to pay for medical tests, police checks, and translating documents if needed. Remember, if your application is turned down, you won’t get your money back.
To find out the exact cost for your situation, you can use INZ’s fee finder tool or chat with one of our friendly Partnership Visa experts for free.
What are the Requirements?
To qualify for a Partnership Visa, you and your partner must meet specific rules set by Immigration New Zealand (NZ).
For Applicants:
- You should be in New Zealand on another visa or planning to come here to be with your partner.
- You need to show that your relationship is real and steady, and you’ve lived together for at least a year (but shorter times might qualify you for a partnership visitor or work visa).
- You must meet health and character standards.
For Partners of Applicants:
- You must prove you’re a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- You have to show you can financially support your partner.
- You shouldn’t have any domestic violence or sexual conviction records.
- You shouldn’t have sponsored more than one partner for residency in the past five years.
- If you’re an Australian citizen or Resident Visa holder living in New Zealand, you must prove that New Zealand is your main home.
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Types of Partnership Visas in New Zealand
The most common Partnership-Based Visas include:
- 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
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What is the Partnership Visa Application process?
Getting a New Zealand Partnership Visa is quite simple, but it’s crucial to do each step right for a smooth process. ICL is here to help you through it all!
1. Gather Your Documents
Start by gathering all the documents needed for your Work Visa. This usually includes qualifications, and any other papers to back up your application. Our expert team will help you gather everything and fill out the forms.
2. Send Your Application
Once you’ve gathered all the needed documents and filled out the forms, it’s time to send your application for review. We’ll assist you in meeting all criteria and submitting it to Immigration New Zealand to boost your chances of success.
3. Wait for Your Response
After sending your application, you’ll have to wait for INZ to make a decision. This process might take a few weeks or even months. Our team will keep you informed and advise you on what to do if more documents are needed.
4. Receive Your Partnership Visa
INZ will either approve your Partnership Visa or deny entry to New Zealand. If it’s approved, we’ll guide you through the next steps and ensure you have all the details to start your new journey in New Zealand.
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Choose ICL for Your Partnership Visa
Getting a Partnership Visa can feel tricky, especially if it’s your first time. Getting it right from the get-go is super important, and having a pro by your side can really boost your chances of success.
At ICL, we get that getting a Partnership Visa for New Zealand can stress you out. What happens with your visa can shape your life and your family’s future. We believe that having an expert to guide you can be the difference between starting a new exciting chapter and feeling all tense and worried.
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Our experts, who are immigrants themselves, have more than 20 years of experience helping clients get Work Visas.
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We're all about fair pricing, which is why we give you a clear quote right at the beginning. You can trust us—no sneaky fees or surprise bills.
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We take care of everything from the start to the very end, so you can have your peace of mind. Pick ICL for a smooth and hassle-free Work Visa application journey.
Client Testimonials
“I would like to thank ICL Immigration from the bottom of my heart for helping me with my essential skills work visa. Immigration NZ had many questions and keep finding problems with my employment offer and say that my job is not a mid-skilled one. Somehow, Nirmala Murthy and ICL immigration get me the 3-year essential skilled work visa that I needed. Very supportive, helpful and available - I will trust them with anything and recommend them to everyone who need any help with a visa or immigration matter.”
“Nirmala and her team worked very hard to get my work visa and her knowledge of the immigration system is very valuable when applying. I felt she worked very hard as my application required a fast turnaround and she would get back to me as soon as she could if I had any questions. Would use her services again.”
"I'd like to thank ICL Immigration from the bottom of my heart for helping me with my work visa. I will trust ICL with all my future visas and recommend them to everyone who needs any help with a visa or other immigration matters"
“I would highly recommend this place for anyone who is looking for professional service and excellent results”
"I would very much recommend Nirmala, ICL Consultancies because of the highly professional working attitude and the friendly atmosphere. She made sure to keep in touch with us every step of the way, and it was great working with her. Keep up the good work, all the best."
“It was great to work with ICL for my residency application process, Nirmala has been very helpful through the process, proper guidance, proper documentation and recommendation letter write up, flexible appointments after working hours even, answering queries even on weekends, it's motherly care! I believe all these are possible from her many years of experience and of course attitude and passion. Quality service in less expensive if we can compare the market. I would recommend anyone to go with ICL.”
“Getting the visa and the right course in New Zealand was not easy. Nirmala from ICL Immigration helped a lot. She made difficult things simple for me. Very thankful for her help and advice, always there to support me. 5 Stars.”
“Very glad I chose ICL to help me with my student admission. Many things I was unsure about but they understood my goal of coming to NZ and patiently answered all my questions. They guided me to choose the best course. I am very happy - you should contact them if you want to study in NZ.”
"I was very stressed about all the visa stuff and finding the right course to study in New Zealand, but Nirmala from ICL Immigration made it all easy. She answered all my questions and I am very happy I found them. Thanks ICL Team!"
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FAQs
What Is a Partnership Residence Visa?
This visa permits partners of New Zealand citizens or residents to live in New Zealand permanently. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine and stable relationship, typically requiring at least 12 months of cohabitation.
Who Can Apply for a Partnership Work Visa?
Designed for partners of New Zealand citizens or residents, or those holding work or student visas in New Zealand. It enables the partner to work in New Zealand and is granted based on the status of their partner’s visa.
What Is a Partnership Visit Visa?
This visa is for individuals intending to visit or accompany their partner who is a New Zealand citizen or resident. It requires proof of a genuine relationship and usually permits a stay of up to 9 months.
Can I Apply for a Culturally Arranged Marriage Visa?
Suitable for individuals planning to marry a New Zealand citizen or resident following a cultural arrangement. The marriage must occur within 3 months of arriving in New Zealand, and the relationship must be genuine.
What Is a Child Student Visa?
This visa is for children of temporary work or student visa holders in New Zealand. It allows dependent children to attend school as domestic students. Eligibility generally requires the child to be aged 19 or under.
Eligibility for Guardian of a Student Visa?
This visa enables a parent or legal guardian to accompany a child who is studying in New Zealand. It’s applicable for children under 13 years or older children under special circumstances.
Details of the Parent and Grandparent Visit Visa?
For parents and grandparents of New Zealand citizens or residents, allowing multiple entries and a total stay of up to 18 months within a 3-year period.
What Is a Dependent Child Visit Visa?
This visa allows dependent children of New Zealand citizens or residents to visit for short-term stays. Eligibility includes being unmarried, financially dependent, and typically under 20 years old.
Processing Times for These Visas?
Processing times vary based on the visa type and the current application volumes. It can range from a few weeks to several months. The latest processing times can be checked on Immigration New Zealand’s website or connect with us for more information.
Required Documents for Partnership Visas?
Commonly required documents include proof of relationship (marriage certificates, joint bank account statements, etc.), identity documents, and, where applicable, the New Zealand partner’s visa or citizenship details.
Are Language Requirements Applicable?
Language proficiency requirements generally do not apply to partnership and family visas. However, specific conditions might apply depending on the visa type.
Can I Include My Family on These Visas?
Most partnership visas allow inclusion of dependent children. Other family members, like parents or siblings, may need to apply for their respective visas.
How Can ICL Immigration Assist with Applications?
ICL Immigration offers services like eligibility assessment, document preparation, and comprehensive guidance throughout the application process.
Can Partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Holders Apply for a Partnership Visa in New Zealand?
Yes, partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders can apply for a partnership visa in New Zealand. This visa allows them to live and work in New Zealand, provided they meet the criteria of being in a genuine and stable relationship with the AEWV holder.
What Are the Specific Requirements for Partners of AEWV Holders to Obtain a Partnership Visa?
Partners of AEWV holders must provide evidence of a genuine and stable relationship, which can include joint bank account statements, cohabitation proof, and other relevant documents. The AEWV holder must also meet certain criteria set by Immigration New Zealand.
How Does the Status of an Employer Work Visa AEWV Affect a Partner Visa Application?
The status of an Employer Work Visa AEWV can significantly impact a partner visa application. The partnership visa’s validity and conditions may depend on the AEWV holder's visa status, including their job stability and visa duration.
Can Partners of Work Visa Holders Study or Work in New Zealand on a Partner Visa?
Yes, partners of work visa holders on a Partner Visa can generally study or work in New Zealand without any additional visa. However, they must adhere to the conditions of their partnership visa.
What Are the Benefits of Consulting with an Immigration Adviser for Partner Visa NZ Applications?
Consulting with an immigration adviser for Partner Visa NZ applications provides expert guidance on meeting immigration criteria, avoiding common pitfalls, ensuring complete and correct documentation, and navigating the complex immigration process effectively.
What documents are required from my sponsor for a Partnership Visa??
Sponsors must provide proof of their financial capacity, including bank statements, proof of income, and other relevant financial documents. Additionally, they need to complete the INZ 1025 Sponsorship Formfor Temporary Entry
Disclaimer: The information provided is subject to change based on New Zealand government policies. For the most current information, please refer to Immigration New Zealand or contact ICL Immigration for updated guidance.
