If you're in a relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be eligible for a partnership visa. This visa allows you to join your partner in New Zealand, whether temporarily or permanently.

Types of Partnership Visas

1. Partnership-Based Visitor/Work Visa
2. Partnership-Based Resident Visa
3. Partner of a Worker Work Visa

Temporary Partnership Visa Options

1. Partnership Work Visa: For partners of New Zealand citizens or residents, this visa lets you live and work in New Zealand. You need to prove at least 12 months of living together in a genuine relationship. If you haven’t lived together long enough, Immigration Trust can help you apply to meet the residency requirements.

2. Partnership Visitor Visa: This visa allows you to visit New Zealand to be with your partner. You cannot work under this visa but can apply for a work visa later. Children can apply for visitor or student visas depending on their schooling plans.

3. Partnership Residence Visa: Designed for long-term relationships or married couples, this visa leads to permanent residence. LGBTQ+ couples are equally eligible, with New Zealand recognising same-sex marriage and providing the same rights as heterosexual couples.

Key Visa Requirements

To apply, you must show you are living with your partner in a stable, genuine relationship. Immigration New Zealand will assess:
  • Length of relationship and time living together
  • Financial support and shared responsibilities
  • Shared property, assets, or bank accounts
  • Recognition of your relationship by others
If you’ve lived apart, explain the reason, how long, and how you stayed in contact.

Evidence to Provide

  • Marriage or civil union certificates
  • Birth certificates of any children
  • Joint rental or bank accounts
  • Photos, letters, or social media messages

Expertise in Partnership-Based Cases 

At Immigration Trust, we specialise in complex partner visa cases, including long-distance relationships and couples preparing to marry in their home countries. Our team understands the unique challenges of these cases and provides expert guidance to ensure your visa application is successful.

​Partnership Visa can be tricky

As you would know, the Partnership based visa category is always a tricky one. ​Unfortunately, getting married doesn't meet the requirements of the "Partner" in New Zealand's Immigration Policy.  To learn more about it, please read this article. ​

Successful Cases

Immigration Trust has been quite successful in many Partnership-Based Visa Applications. Below are some examples.
We recently helped a male client from Tonga successfully transition from a partnership-based work visa to a partnership-based resident visa. After initially regaining his legal status through a Section 61 application, he was able to live and work in New Zealand with his partner. We ensured the resident visa application was strong, focusing on their genuine and stable relationship. Immigration New Zealand approved the application smoothly, granting our client the security of residency in New Zealand. This case highlights our expertise in navigating complex immigration pathways.
We assisted a Cambodian woman in successfully obtaining a Partnership-Based Work Visa after her initial application for a Partnership-based visitor visa was declined. As part of an LGBT couple with her New Zealand citizen partner, she sought our expertise, leading to a successful Ministerial Intervention. Following a consultation with our CEO, Simon, and through our efficient preparation and submission process, we were able to secure the work visa.
Check out this successful partnership-based work visa case. An American client joined his New Zealand partner by providing strong evidence of their genuine relationship, including cohabitation and shared finances. With thorough preparation and clear communication with Immigration New Zealand, the visa was approved. Now happily living together, the next step is a resident visa application. 

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