Partnership & Family Visas

New Zealand offers several visa options for partners of citizens and residents, each designed for different circumstances and relationship stages. Understanding which visa type suits your situation is the first step in the application process.

Visitor visas for partners allow short-term visits to New Zealand, typically for up to 9 months. These are suitable for couples who want to spend time together while considering longer-term options or preparing for other visa applications.

Work visas based on partnership enable partners to work in New Zealand, usually for up to 12 months initially. These visas provide flexibility for couples to establish themselves while working towards residence or other long-term solutions.

Residence visas represent the permanent solution, allowing partners to live in New Zealand indefinitely. The residence pathway requires meeting specific criteria and demonstrating a committed, long-term relationship. For more detailed information about residence options, see our guide on residence visas.

Immigration New Zealand has strict criteria for what constitutes a qualifying partnership. The relationship must be genuine and stable, meaning it's a committed, exclusive partnership where both parties are genuinely committed to each other.

For married couples, the marriage must be legally recognised in New Zealand. This includes marriages performed overseas, provided they're valid in the country where they took place and would be recognised under New Zealand law.

De facto relationships require couples to have lived together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months. This living together requirement is taken seriously, with Immigration New Zealand examining evidence of cohabitation, shared responsibilities, and mutual commitment.

Both partners must be 18 years or older, and the New Zealand partner must be a citizen or resident. The relationship must be exclusive, meaning neither party can be in a marriage or civil union with someone else. For specific guidance on meeting these requirements, our partnership requirements page provides detailed information.

Gathering comprehensive evidence is crucial for partnership visa success. Immigration New Zealand requires proof that your relationship is genuine, stable, and meets their criteria. The evidence must paint a complete picture of your life together as a committed couple.

Financial evidence includes joint bank accounts, shared mortgages or rental agreements, joint insurance policies, and evidence of financial interdependence. This demonstrates that you manage your finances as a couple and have made joint financial commitments.

Cohabitation evidence proves you live together and share domestic responsibilities. This includes utility bills, correspondence to the same address, joint household purchases, and evidence of shared domestic arrangements like grocery shopping or household maintenance.

Social evidence shows that others recognise your relationship. This includes photos together over time, evidence of joint social activities, invitations addressed to both of you, and statutory declarations from friends and family who can attest to your relationship.

The quality and consistency of evidence matter more than quantity. Immigration officers look for evidence that spans the duration of your relationship and demonstrates genuine commitment. For detailed guidance on preparing evidence, see our comprehensive guide on partnership evidence requirements.

The partnership visa application process involves multiple stages, from initial preparation through to decision and potential follow-up. Understanding each stage helps ensure you're prepared and can respond appropriately to any requests from Immigration New Zealand.

Initial preparation involves gathering evidence, completing application forms, and ensuring you meet all requirements. This stage often takes several months, as comprehensive evidence collection requires time and careful organisation.

Application submission must include all required forms, evidence, and fees. Online applications are generally processed faster than paper applications, and you'll receive confirmation once your application is received and assigned a case number.

Assessment by Immigration New Zealand may involve requests for additional information, interviews, or verification of evidence. Officers may contact you, your partner, or people who provided statutory declarations. Responding promptly and thoroughly to any requests is crucial.

Decision notification will explain whether your application is approved or declined. Approved applications will include visa conditions and validity periods, while declined applications will explain the reasons and any appeal rights.

Partnership visa applications face several common challenges that can lead to delays or declines. Understanding these challenges helps you prepare more effectively and avoid potential pitfalls.

Insufficient evidence of cohabitation is a frequent issue, particularly for couples who have lived apart due to work, study, or other circumstances. Immigration New Zealand expects clear evidence that you live together as a couple, and gaps in cohabitation can raise questions about relationship genuineness.

Cultural differences in relationship practices can create challenges when evidence doesn't align with New Zealand expectations. Some cultures have different approaches to financial management, living arrangements, or social recognition of relationships, which may require additional explanation.

Previous relationship history, including divorces or previous partnership visa applications, requires careful handling. Immigration New Zealand will examine your relationship history to ensure your current partnership is genuine and exclusive.

Timing issues often arise when current visas expire before partnership applications are processed. Maintaining lawful immigration status throughout the process is crucial, and gaps in visa coverage can complicate your situation significantly.

Partnership visa applications often include dependent children or other family members. Understanding how to include family members and meet their specific requirements is important for comprehensive applications.

Dependent children can usually be included in partnership applications if they meet age and dependency criteria. Children must typically be under 24, unmarried, and financially dependent on the applicant or their partner.

Step-children may be included if the partnership creates a genuine parent-child relationship. Evidence of the parental relationship, including care arrangements and financial support, will be required.

Other family members, such as elderly parents, may have separate visa pathways but cannot typically be included in partnership applications. Understanding which family members can be included helps avoid application complications.

Each included family member must meet health and character requirements, which may involve medical examinations and police certificates. Planning for these requirements early in the process helps avoid delays.

Partnership visas come with specific conditions and ongoing obligations that visa holders must understand and comply with. Failure to meet these obligations can affect your current visa and future applications.

Work conditions vary by visa type, with some partnership visas allowing unrestricted work while others may have limitations. Understanding your work rights helps ensure you comply with visa conditions and can plan your career in New Zealand.

Relationship obligations may require you to notify Immigration New Zealand of relationship changes, including separation or divorce. These notifications can affect your visa status and may require new applications or departures from New Zealand.

Residence obligations for those holding residence visas include meeting travel and residence requirements to maintain your status. Understanding these obligations helps ensure you don't inadvertently lose your residence status.

Character and health obligations continue throughout your time in New Zealand, with serious criminal convictions or health issues potentially affecting your visa status. Maintaining good character and health is important for visa compliance.

Partnership visa applications can be complex, and professional legal assistance can significantly improve your chances of success. Understanding when to seek help ensures you get appropriate support for your situation.

Complex relationship circumstances, such as periods of separation, cultural differences, or previous relationship history, often benefit from legal guidance. Lawyers can help present your situation in the best possible light and address potential concerns proactively.

Previous visa declines or immigration issues require careful handling to avoid repeating mistakes or triggering additional scrutiny. Immigration lawyers understand how previous decisions affect new applications and can develop strategies to address past issues.

Tight timeframes, such as expiring visas or urgent travel needs, may require expedited applications or interim solutions. Legal assistance can help navigate these time-sensitive situations and explore all available options.

Appeals and reviews of declined applications have strict time limits and procedural requirements. Professional representation significantly improves your chances of success in appeal processes. For information about appeal options, see our guide on immigration appeals.