Bringing your partner to live in New Zealand can be an exciting but often confusing process. This article addresses some of the most common FAQs I receive from Kiwis and their partners about getting a Partner of a New Zealander visa.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a Partner of a New Zealander Visa?
Partners of New Zealand Citizens or Residents, who are living together in a genuine and stable relationship may be eligible for a Partner of a New Zealander Visa.
Several factors can influence the most suitable visa for you, including how long you have been living together, how long you want to move to New Zealand for, how quickly you want to move, what you wish to do in New Zealand (work, study, settle down) and your budget.
Generally, you need to have been living together for at least 12 months (with a few exceptions that I will talk about within this article).
What types of New Zealand Partnership visas are available?
Temporary Visas
• Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
• Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa
Resident Visas
• Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
• Partner of a New Zealander Permanent Resident Visa
We’ve been living together for less than 12 months. Can my partner still come to New Zealand?
Your partner may still be eligible for a Partner of a New Zealander Work or Visitor Visa for up to 12 months. This can be a good option to spend time together in New Zealand while gathering further evidence for a longer-term visa. I can help you to determine if they meet the criteria.
Can my partner get a Permanent Resident Visa?
If you have been living together outside of New Zealand for at least 5 years and you are a New Zealand citizen, your partner may be eligible for a Permanent Resident Visa with just a single application.
For other situations, your partner may first need to obtain a Resident Visa and then apply for Permanent Residence after residing in New Zealand for 2 years.
How long is a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa valid for?
3 years (if you’ve been living together for at least 12 months). This gives you and your partner the chance to decide if New Zealand is where you want to settle together and apply for residence.
How long does it take to get a Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa?
The processing time for a Resident Visa can vary. Currently 80% of Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visas are being processed within 7 months.
And you also need to allow enough time to get all your documents together, including any medical examinations or police certificates you need, before submitting your application.
If you have been living with your partner for less than 12 months, or if you want to travel sooner than it takes for a Resident Visa to be processed, they may need to go out to New Zealand on a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa first.
You can keep an eye on processing times through INZ’s website.
What evidence is required to prove our relationship?
Immigration New Zealand requires substantial evidence to demonstrate the genuineness and stability of your relationship and how long you have been living together. This can include photos, flight tickets, joint bank accounts, letters of support from family and friends and social media posts, to name just a few.
When you become a client, we will provide you with a comprehensive Document Check List, tailored to your individual situation, that will detail exactly what documents you will need for your visa application. Many people are surprised at how much evidence is required – it’s more than just a marriage certificate (and no, it doesn’t matter if you aren’t married).
My partner is not living with me. Can they still apply?
Since partnership immigration instructions require you to be living together, your partner may need to explore other visa options that would allow them to travel to New Zealand and build up the evidence of living together that is required. We can help you map out your journey, as every situation is different. For some clients, it can take several visas before they are able to achieve their end goal of settling permanently in New Zealand with their partner.
What if we are not married?
Marriage is not a requirement for any Partner of a New Zealander visa. Immigration New Zealand focuses on the genuine and stable nature of your relationship, and length of time you have been living together, regardless of marital status.
Ready to bring your partner to New Zealand?
Navigating the immigration process can be complex and I’d be happy to help you through this process, and determine the best path for bringing your partner to New Zealand.
Take our Free New Zealand Partnership Eligibility Assessment today to find out your options and get started on your immigration journey.
