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The Partner of a Worker Visa allows individuals to join their partner, who holds a work visa, in New Zealand. This visa provides the opportunity to live and work in New Zealand for the duration of your partner’s visa. You must be in a genuine and stable relationship with the visa holder, and your partner must hold a visa for employment in New Zealand.
The Partner of a Worker Visa allows the partner of a work visa holder to live and work in New Zealand. This visa is available to those in a genuine and stable relationship with a work visa holder employed in New Zealand. That work visa must however be of a type that allows them to support a Partner of a Worker Visa. Not all work visas are created equal. It provides flexibility for partners to contribute to New Zealand’s workforce while living with their partner.
The visa's length matches the duration of the primary visa holder's work visa, allowing you to live and work in New Zealand as long as your partner’s visa is valid.
To qualify, applicants must be in a genuine and stable relationship with the primary visa holder, who must have a valid work visa in New Zealand, that permits them to support your visa application. Proof of the relationship, such as shared living arrangements and financial interdependence, will be required.
With this visa, you can live and work in New Zealand for the duration of your partner’s visa. Additionally, you may apply for family members, such as children, to join you in New Zealand under student or visitor visas.
While this visa doesn’t directly lead to residency, it can be a stepping stone if your partner transitions to residency. In such cases, you can apply for residency based on your partnership with them.
Step 1:
Ensure you are in a genuine and stable relationship with a work visa holder employed in New Zealand.
Step 2:
Prepare necessary documents, including proof of relationship (shared living, finances), and your partner’s work visa.
Step 3:
Submit the visa application online via Immigration New Zealand's portal.
Step 4:
Immigration New Zealand reviews your application and may request additional information.
Step 5:
Once approved, you can live and work in New Zealand for the duration of your partner's visa.
Step 6:
Step 7:
Step 8:
We’ll guide you through the visa requirements, things you should consider while applying, common pitfalls and how we can help you navigate the entire process from conception to submission and beyond.
Prefer to make a direct enquiry rather than attend a webinar? This option offers you personalised assistance tailored to your specific situation. By choosing a direct enquiry, you'll save time and receive expert guidance from NZIL’s team on your Partner of a Worker Visa application. Whether you need help understanding your eligibility, preparing documents, or navigating the process, we’re here to provide clear, customised advice every step of the way.
There are many possible reasons why Partnership Visa applications are unsuccessful, even when you think you’ve done everything right. The most common reasons for rejection include:- Immigration NZ is not convinced that your New Zealand citizen or resident partner is not eligible to support your case- The immigration officer is not satisfied that your relationship is genuine and stable- The immigration officer is not satisfied that you have lived with one another for the required period of time- Either you or your partner are already married or in a civil union with another person- You don’t meet health and character requirements Immigration NZ requires a more accurate picture of your relationship than just a marriage certificate. You’ll need to provide a range of information such as utility bills, photographs, letters, and other documents. An immigration lawyer can help you understand which documents are relevant and which are not.
The application cost will vary, depending on your country of origin, what country you’re in when you apply, and whether you submit your application online or by post. Also bear in mind that you will have to pay for medical screenings, police records, and possibly translations. There are no refunds if your application is declined. To determine the application cost based on your specific situation, visit INZ’s fee finder.
Processing time will vary depending on how and when you apply for the visa. Immigration New Zealand states that 75 percent of Partnership Visas take up to 13 months to process.
This category is suitable for couples who are:- Married- In a civil union (opposite or same sex)- In a de facto relationship (opposite or same sex)- Not legally married or bound by a registered civil or de facto partnership but who can demonstrate that they are in a committed and durable relationship. In all cases, the relationship must be of a genuine and stable nature, which means the relationship is exclusive and likely to last.
You may apply online or by post. To apply for a Partnership Visa, you will need to prove that you have lived with your partner for at least 12 months. Our free webinar will walk you through the entire application process, detailing the essentials required for a successful application. We also provide 1 on 1 consultations if you'd like a professional review before submitting to ensure it gets accepted.
You'll need to provide documentation that validifies your relationship as genuine. Recommended types of evidence include statements showing your joint ownership or mortgage of a property, joint tenancy agreements, rent books, rental receipts or bills/letters addressed to both you and your partner. You may also need to supply medical screenings and police records.
Your family can be included in your Active Investor Plus Visa application. This can include a secondary applicant (such as your spouse/partner), and any dependent children under the age of 24 years.
If you’re applying for a visa based on your relationship, you and your partner will need to meet specific criteria in order to apply. Learn more about the visa requirements for you and your partner. If you’re looking to move your family over based on your working visa, find out more about family visa options.
