The Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa allows individuals who have a spouse or partner who is a resident or citizen of New Zealand to live with their partner in New Zealand. This visa gives holders the right to work and study in New Zealand and is a pathway to New Zealand residence.
Related: Changes to Partner of a Worker Work Visa confirmed
Who can apply for a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa?
You may be eligible for this visa if:
- you are married to or in a stable relationship with someone who is a New Zealand citizen or who is a resident of New Zealand
- you are living with your partner at the time that you apply
- you can prove that you have enough money to live on in New Zealand (e.g. with cash, a salary or supporting employer), or a sponsor who can support you
- you and your partner are planning to live together in New Zealand for the same period of time
- you meet the standard good health and character requirements for a New Zealand visa
You should be prepared to provide evidence of being in a genuine relationship when you apply for this visa. For example, you could gather documentation, communications or other proof to show how long you have been living with your partner, how long you have been together, or if you have shared financial responsibilities.
Your partner will also need to meet ‘character requirements’ in order for them to support your application for this visa. This is usually straightforward providing that your partner does not have any convictions for domestic violence or sexual crimes.
The ability of a citizen or resident of New Zealand to sponsor a partner for an eventual application for residence via this visa is limited to:
- one sponsored partner within a five-year period
- no more than two partners sponsored for residence in total
What does a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa offer?
If successful, applicants for this visa can expect:
- to be granted the right to stay in New Zealand for two years, providing that they have been living with their partner for more than 12 months
- if you have lived with your partner for less than 12 months, your first visa will be valid for only one year, with the possibility to apply and secure further visas up to a maximum stay period of two years
- the right to work in New Zealand in any field, with the exception of legalised adult work
- the right to undertake formal study anywhere in New Zealand for up to three months
- to be able to travel in and out of New Zealand freely while this visa is valid
If you have dependent children, it is not possible to include them in your application for this visa. However, they may be able to apply for other visas on the basis of their relationship to you.
How do I apply for a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa?
Applications for this visa can be submitted on paper or online. In addition to your application form and supporting information, you will need to ensure that your partner completes the appropriate INZ 1146 form for partners supporting partnership-based applications for temporary entry to New Zealand. Once New Zealand Immigration has all of your information, around 80% of applications will typically receive a decision within three months.
The cost of applying for a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa depends on your nationality, as well as where you are submitting the application from and whether you are applying in paper or online. Application fees range from zero for some nationalities up to NZD $860.
Mohamed Anas Sirajur Raheem
BA (Political Studies), LLB (VUW)
Mohamed is an enrolled Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, specializing in immigration law.
He is a former New Zealand Immigration Officer (Visa Services) and Border Officer at Auckland International Airport. He has several years of experience working in various Government Departments in New Zealand and has also worked as a Licensed Immigration Adviser at a prominent New Zealand Immigration firm.
His areas of expertise and interest are in the fields of General Skilled Migration, Temporary Work (Long and Short Stay), Business visas, Partner, Parent and Child Visa streams.
Mohamed was inspired to pursue a career in immigration by his own migration experiences. Over the years he has assisted individuals, families, large corporations, Professional sportspeople, and Entertainers (singers, speakers, and actors) to come to New Zealand.
