Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa Guide

Key Takeaways:

The Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa allows work, three months’ study, and living with your New Zealand partner.
Eligibility requires good health, character, financial means, a genuine relationship, and partner support.
Application involves completing forms, submitting documents, and paying fees; processing time is around 88 days.

What is a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa?

The Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa allows you to work in New Zealand if your partner is a citizen or resident of New Zealand. This visa opens the door for you to join your partner and experience the benefits of living in New Zealand. Besides working, it also allows you to study for up to three months.

Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa Guide

Who is Eligible for a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa?

To qualify for a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, you must meet several eligibility requirements:

Be in good health.
Have good character.
Genuinely plan to meet the conditions of the visa.
Have a partner who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Live together in a stable and genuine relationship.
Have sufficient financial means or a sponsor to support your stay.
Have your partner support your visa application, qualifying to support a partnership-based resident visa within one year.
Ensure your partner is of good character and not facing deportation.

How to Determine If You Meet Sponsorship Requirements?

Your partner must meet specific eligibility conditions to support you for a partnership-based resident visa application. These include:

Not having supported more than one prior partner’s successful resident visa.
Not supporting a successful resident visa for an earlier partner in the last five years.
Not including an earlier partner in their own successful residence application in the past five years.
Not being likely to be deported or having their deportation liability suspended.

Note: Even if your partner can’t support your residence application currently, they can still support your work or visitor visa now. A New Zealand citizen or resident can support only two partners for residence in total.

What is Considered a Genuine and Stable Partnership?

Immigration New Zealand defines a partnership as two people living together in:

A legal marriage.
A civil union (opposite or same-sex).
A de facto relationship (opposite or same-sex).

A genuine partnership is entered into on a long-term, exclusive basis and is likely to last a long time.

What Documents Are Required for the Visa Application?

When applying for a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, be prepared to submit the following:

Evidence of your identity.
Your police certificate.
Evidence of good health.
Proof that your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Evidence of a stable and genuine relationship.
Evidence of sufficient means or a sponsor.
Partnership support form for residence/temporary entry.
Your partner’s police certificate.

Detailed Breakdown of Documents:

Evidence of Your Identity:
- Valid passport (at least three months after planned departure from New Zealand).
- Two photos if applying via paper; one photo if applying online (must meet NZ Visa photo requirements.
Evidence of Good Health:
- If staying more than a year, submit a medical exam and chest x-ray results.
Proof of Partner’s Citizenship or Residency:
- New Zealand passport
- New Zealand birth certificate
- New Zealand certificate of citizenship
- New Zealand residence class visa
Evidence of a Genuine and Stable Relationship:
- Duration and cohabitation proof.
- Parental or guardian support if aged 16-17.
- Shared activities and responsibilities (photos, emails, social media conversations).
- Financial sharing.

Steps to Apply Online

To apply online for a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, follow these steps:

Complete the Online Application:
- Use the Partner of a Student Work Visa webpage and log in or create a RealMe account.
Partner’s Supporting Form:
- Your partner must complete the Supporting Partnership-Based Application Form and sign it.
Upload Required Documents:
- Scan and upload all necessary documents in PDF format.
Pay the Fees:
- Use Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay to pay the application fee and immigration levy online.
Submit the Application:
- Submit once all steps are completed.

Steps to Apply on Paper

Follow these steps to apply for a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa via paper:

Complete the Supporting Partnership-Based Application Form:
- Your partner fills and signs the form.
Fill Out the Partnership-Based Temporary Visa Application:
- Use capital letters for accurate entry and attach your photos.
Book an Appointment:
- Schedule an appointment with a visa application center and receive a confirmation email.
Pay the Application Fees:
- Pay in cash or credit card as specified by the application form.
Attend the Appointment:
- Submit your documents at the center, arriving 15 minutes early.
Track Your Application:
- Immigration New Zealand will notify you via email when your application is processed.

Visa Conditions

Upon obtaining a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, adhere to these conditions:

Apply for entry permission upon arriving in New Zealand.
Present your passport and completed arrival card at the border.
Enter and leave New Zealand before the visa expires.
Engage only in legal work.
Do not provide commercial sexual services or invest/operate in such businesses.
Hold necessary occupational registration for your work.
Study for no more than three months.
Leave New Zealand before your visa expires.

Fees and Processing Times

The costs and processing times for a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa are as follows:

Fees:
– Online Application: NZD $700.
– Paper Application: NZD $770–$940, with additional courier and Visa Application Center fees as applicable.

Processing Time:
– Approximately 88 days.

Note: Visa fees are non-refundable, whether your application is approved or not.

How Long Can You Stay?

Your stay duration on a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa depends on the length of your relationship:

Two Years: If living with your partner for more than a year.
One Year: If living together for less than a year.

Before the visa expires, you can apply for residence based on your partnership.

Can I Study on This Visa?

You may study for up to three months with this visa. For longer studies, you need a Student Visa.

Can I Include Children in My Application?

Dependent children cannot be included in your Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa application. However, they may apply for visas based on their relationship to you.

With clear understanding and the right preparation, obtaining a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa can be a smooth process, allowing you to live, work, and experience life in New Zealand with your partner. For more detailed official guidelines, visit the New Zealand Immigration website.

Still Got Questions? Read Below to Know More

Can I volunteer or do unpaid work on a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa?

If you hold a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, you can usually volunteer or do unpaid work in New Zealand. This visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand, giving you flexibility in the type of employment you choose. Volunteering is often considered a beneficial way to spend your time, gain experience, and contribute to the community.

According to Immigration New Zealand, “A Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa allows you to work for any employer in New Zealand,” which generally includes unpaid work or volunteering (source: Immigration New Zealand).

If you need further verification or have more questions about what qualifies as volunteering or unpaid work, you can contact Immigration New Zealand directly or visit their website for detailed information and guidelines to ensure compliance.

Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa | Immigration New Zealand

What are some common reasons for delays in processing a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa?

There are several common reasons why there might be delays in processing a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa. Understanding these can help you ensure a smoother application process.

Incomplete Documentation: One of the biggest reasons for delays is the submission of incomplete or incorrect documents. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) requires specific documents to verify your relationship and other criteria. If documents are missing or not translated into English, processing is delayed. Make sure to double-check that everything is included and meets the guidelines. You can find the exact documentation requirements on the INZ website.
Verification Checks: Delays can occur if INZ needs to conduct thorough background checks. This includes verifying your relationship’s authenticity, your application history, or employment details. According to INZ, “additional checks are sometimes required to ensure the safety and integrity of New Zealand’s immigration system,” which can extend processing times.
High Volume of Applications: The processing time can also be affected by the number of applications INZ is currently handling. There can be peak times when more people are applying, leading to longer wait times. INZ updates processing timeframes on their visa processing times page.

For more detailed information on avoiding delays, visit the Immigration New Zealand official resources linked above. Taking these steps can help ensure a more efficient application process.

How can I prove financial support if I don’t have a lot of savings?

If you don’t have a lot of savings, there are several ways to prove financial support for your immigration application. Here are some strategies you can use:

Steady Income: Show proof of a regular income from employment. This can include your current salary, pay stubs, and an employment letter stating your position and salary.
Job Offers: “Present a job offer from a company in the country you are moving to, including details about your future income.”
Sponsorship: If you have a family member or friend who is willing to sponsor you, they can provide an affidavit of support along with their financial documents like tax returns or bank statements.

You can also use assets and other financial instruments:

Assets: List any valuable assets like property, stocks, or bonds you own. Provide documents like property deeds or investment account statements.
Loans or Financial Products: “A bank loan or line of credit can also demonstrate financial capability.” Ensure to include a letter from the bank confirming the availability of these funds.

Lastly, always refer to official resources for the most accurate information:

Visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) webpage for specific guidelines.
For Canadian immigration, check out Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Using multiple sources of financial proof can strengthen your application, even if you don’t have significant savings.

Can I bring my pet with me to New Zealand on a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa?

Yes, you can bring your pet with you to New Zealand on a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, but you need to follow specific steps to ensure your pet meets New Zealand’s strict biosecurity requirements. Pets are seen as a potential risk for introducing diseases, so the country has stringent rules in place.

Here are some key steps you’ll need to follow:

Check Eligibility and Quarantine Requirements: “Different pets may have different requirements. For example, dogs and cats from certain countries will need to stay in quarantine on arrival.” You can check detailed requirements on the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries website.
Health Certificates and Vaccinations: Your pet will need up-to-date health checks and vaccinations. “A veterinary certificate, issued by a vet in your home country and endorsed by an official government veterinarian, may be required.”
Import Permits: “You may require an import permit to bring your pet to New Zealand.” Details on obtaining an import permit can be found on the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries.

Before planning your move, thoroughly check the official resources and consider consulting with a pet relocation service to help navigate the process. For more precise guidance, visit the New Zealand Immigration website.

What should I do if my Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa application is rejected?

If your Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa application is rejected, don’t worry – you have several steps to take. First, understand the reasons for the rejection. Your rejection notice will detail these reasons, and they can help you decide what to do next.

Review the reasons: Carefully read the rejection letter. Common reasons for rejection might include incomplete information, lack of proper documentation, or failure to meet eligibility criteria.
Correct and Resubmit: If the mistakes or missing documents can be fixed, gather the right documents, correct the errors, and submit a new application. Ensure all information is complete and accurate.

Another option is to Appeal the Decision if you believe the visa was wrongly denied. You can do this by:

Submitting an Appeal: According to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), you can “appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal” if you think there has been a mistake (source: Immigration NZ – Appeals).
Seek Legal Advice: Consult an immigration advisor or lawyer to help you through the appeal process. They can offer expert guidance and improve your chances of a successful appeal.

Lastly, consider other visa options. For example, if you meet the requirements, you could apply for a different type of visa that better suits your situation. For more information on various visa types, visit Immigration New Zealand. By following these steps, you can address the issues that led to the rejection and improve your chances if you reapply or appeal.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Terms

Partnership-Based Visa: A type of visa that allows an individual to reside in a country based on their relationship with a citizen or resident of that country. For the Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, this means the applicant is allowed to work in New Zealand due to their genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Sponsorship Requirements: Conditions that must be met by the New Zealand citizen or resident partner to support their spouse’s visa application, such as not having supported previous partners for residence visas within specific time frames.
Genuine and Stable Partnership: A committed relationship between two individuals, which includes legal marriages, civil unions, or de facto relationships, and is recognized as long-term and exclusive by Immigration New Zealand.
Financial Means: Proof that an applicant or their sponsor has sufficient funds to cover their stay in New Zealand, ensuring that the applicant does not become a financial burden on the country during their visa period.
Entry Permission: Authorization required upon arrival at the New Zealand border, which mandates presenting a valid passport, visa, and completed arrival documentation to immigration officials.

This Article In A Nutshell:

The Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa allows partners of New Zealand citizens or residents to work and live in New Zealand. This visa also permits studying for up to three months, provided the relationship is genuine and stable. It’s a great way to join your partner and experience New Zealand.
— By VisaVerge.com

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