Being apart can be a frustrating time in any relationship, so it’s not surprising that a new relationship is often a driving factor in people immigrating to new countries. New Zealand is no exception. Join your partner in New Zealand and enjoy raising your family, living in a new culture and working.
New Zealand offers two types of partner visas. The first is for partners of New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. The second is a Partnership-Based Temporary visa for partners of people who hold a New Zealand study or work visa and who meet particular criteria.
Partners of A New Zealand Citizen or Resident
The Partner Visa stream requires you to submit comprehensive evidence that you have been living together in a stable and genuine relationship for over 12 months. If the relationship isn’t older than 12 months and the applicant wants to join their partner in New Zealand, or if a residency application is already in process but the applicant wants to travel to New Zealand, an applicant can apply for a partnership work visa or a partnership-based Visitor Visa.
Your partner must support your application and must meet certain character requirements relating to domestic violence and their track record of sponsoring partners to New Zealand.
Partners of People who hold a New Zealand Visa
If your partner is not a New Zealand citizen or resident, but holds a work visa to New Zealand that is eligible for more than six months, or if your partner holds a New Zealand Student visa, then you might be eligible for a temporary visa to join them.
All of the partner and family visa streams require supporting evidence and have strict criteria. Make sure you contact a licensed immigration adviser for assistance to ensure you are applying under the correct family stream and providing the appropriate supporting documents.