Wellington
If you or your significant other is a citizen of New Zealand and you want to live together there, you can apply for the partner of a New Zealander resident visa, otherwise called the partnership visa or NZ spouse visa.
The beauty of the world we live in today is that you can easily meet people from different countries and of various nationalities. And sometimes, that leads to romance and relationships.
If you or your significant other is a citizen of New Zealand and you want to live together there, you can apply for the partner of a New Zealander resident visa, otherwise called the partnership visa or NZ spouse visa. Let’s take a look at what you have to do to apply, eligibility, and the criteria for qualifying for a NZ partnership visa.
Does my relationship status allow me to apply?
This visa is not restricted to only those who are legally married or in a civil union or de facto relationship. Rather, it is open to partners (same or opposite sex relationships) in a committed, long term and steady relationship. What the authorities will be interested in is that the pair in the relationship are planning on remaining together and are exclusive and want to make a life together.
Those married or in a registered civil union with Kiwis will have paperwork of the union as proof. In addition, for those in a defacto relationship, utility bills, photographs of the couple, correspondence (including letters, emails, chat logs, SMS) and other documents that can provide proof of partnership will be asked for. If your Kiwi partner and you are living separately, you will be asked for proof of the continuation and legitimacy of the relationship, which can be established via electronic communication shared between you both.
What are the eligibility criteria?
In order to qualify for the NZ partnership visa, there are certain expectations of you and your partner, in addition to proving that you are in a committed, steady relationship. For the person applying, your partner must be a citizen, living in NZ, or you should already be present in NZ under a different visa type. You must also pass health and character requirements.
For the NZ partner, first you will need proof of your status in NZ, be it residency, citizenship, a particular work visa that makes you eligible to bring across a partner, or as a student pursuing a high level qualification. You have to show proof that you are in a position to support your partner who will be on the NZ partnership visa.
There are also limits on the number of partners you have historically sponsored for residency – it cannot be more than one over the past five years. And finally, you cannot have any sexual or domestic violence offenses against your name.
What rights does having the NZ partnership visa grant me?
Please make note that the partner of a New Zealander resident visa is different from, and comes with different rights, than a partnership work visa. The NZ partnership visa does not grant the holder the right to live indefinitely in NZ. Your partner can come to the country with you, or join you if you are already in New Zealand, and live either:
- For a period of two years (where you have been living together for more than 12 months) or,
- One year (if you have been living together for under a 12 month period).
During that time, your partner has the right to get a job and work, and are also eligible to enrol in courses/study for a time period not exceeding three months.
If you intend on making New Zealand your long-term or forever home, then you should apply for NZ residency, which will depend on your relationship status and the laws governing it. With a partnership visa, you are eligible for residency or an open work visa. Just make sure to get your applications and paperwork in order well before your NZ partnership visa is set to expire.
NZ partnership visa costs, processing time, and application process
You can apply for the NZ partnership visa using the online process, or by mail. Make sure you put together all the required paperwork and fill out the application form completely. We recommend giving yourself two to three months to put together all the required paperwork.
There are a variety of factors that may affect how long it will take for your application to be processed. The country whose passport you hold, whether you apply for the visa from within NZ or another country, when you apply, and whether you submit the application by mail or online all affect the timeframe. According to Immigration New Zealand statistics, 75% of NZ partnership visas are processed within 14 months.
Need help applying for a NZ spouse visa?
Contact us at Malcolm Pacific Immigration. We can help you put together your application and provide all relevant documentation. This will help NZ Immigration to make a decision in your favour, and without slowing the process due to missing or incomplete information.
