Applying for a Partner Visa in NZ? Don’t Leave It to Chance.
Being in a relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident doesn’t guarantee a visa. In fact, many applications are declined due to weak evidence or misunderstanding of the rules. At Immigration Trust, we specialise in complex partner visa cases — from long-distance couples and new relationships to previous declines.
Which Partner Visa Is Right for You?
Immigration New Zealand offers different visa types depending on your situation: Partnership Work Visa Live and work in NZ based on your relationship. You usually need to show 12+ months of living together in a genuine partnership. Partnership Visitor Visa Join your partner while preparing to qualify for a work visa. Ideal if you're not ready for a full work visa yet. Partnership Residence Visa Permanent solution for long-term couples. Leads to NZ residency — available to both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ couples.
Key Requirements You Must Meet
To apply, you need to prove a genuine, stable relationship. Immigration NZ will assess:
How long you’ve been together
Whether you’ve lived together
Joint finances, rental agreements, or bills
Photos, communication records, and support letters
Marriage alone does NOT meet the policy definition of a partner. You need to show real-life evidence of your relationship.
Struggling with a Declined or Complex Application?
You're not alone. Many couples are surprised by how strict the evidence requirements are — especially those in long-distance or culturally sensitive relationships. Our team has helped hundreds of clients overcome these challenges.
Q: We’re married. Isn’t that enough? A: No — you must show you’re living together in a genuine and stable partnership. Q: We’re in a long-distance relationship. Can we still apply? A: Yes, but you’ll need strong evidence and a strategic approach. We've helped many in your situation. Q: My last application was declined. What should I do? A: Start with our assessment form below. We’ll identify what went wrong and how to fix it.
Take the First Step – Get a Partner Visa Assessment Now
You’ve worked hard on your relationship — now let us work hard on your visa.