The New Zealand Spouse Visa, also known as the Partner Visa, is a pathway that allows partners or spouses of New Zealand citizens or residents to live together in New Zealand permanently. This visa category is designed to promote family reunification, enabling couples to be together and build their lives in this beautiful country. Whether you are married, in a civil union, or in a genuine and stable de facto relationship, the New Zealand Spouse Visa offers an opportunity for partners to share their lives in New Zealand, enjoying the country’s diverse culture, picturesque landscapes, and high quality of life.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the New Zealand eligibility requirements, application process, documents needed, and other essential information for those seeking to obtain a New Zealand Spouse Visa.
What are the benefits of New Zealand Partner Visa?
- Work and Study Opportunities – With this visa, you can work in any occupation for any employer in New Zealand and pursue your studies in the country.
- Entry Permission – You must apply for entry permission upon arrival in New Zealand.
- Travel for Permanent Resident Holders – Permanent resident holders can travel in and out of New Zealand indefinitely as long as their visa remains valid.
- Keep Your Visa Valid – Ensure your visa is in a valid passport. If your passport expires, you must transfer your visa to the new passport.
Things to Note
- If your partner’s New Zealand residence is based on their Australian citizenship, permanent residence, or resident return visa, you can only apply for this visa if your partner lives in New Zealand.
- If your partner is a New Zealand citizen, and you both have been living together outside of New Zealand for 5 years or more, you may be eligible for a permanent resident visa.
What are the eligibility requirements for New Zealand Spouse Visa?
To apply for this visa, you will need to meet specific eligibility criteria and provide essential documents. Here is what you need:
1. Identity
- Acceptable photos (1 for online applications, 2 for paper applications)
- Passport or certificate of identity
- Full birth certificate (copy for online applications, original or certified copy for paper applications)
2. Health
- Chest X-ray and a medical examination as proof of good health
3. Character
- Police certificates from your country(s) of citizenship
- Police certificates from any other country where you’ve spent 12 months or more over the last 10 years (if you’re 17 and over and plan to stay in New Zealand for more than 24 months)
Note: Police certificates not in English require an English translation.
4. Your Partner’s Immigration Status
- Your partner must provide evidence of their New Zealand citizenship or residency status.
5. Your Partner’s Place of Residence
- If your partner’s New Zealand residence is based on Australian citizenship, permanent residence, or resident return visa, they must provide evidence that they live in New Zealand.
6. Your Partner’s Character
- Your partner must provide a police certificate from any country they have spent 12 months or more in over the last 10 years.
7. Eligible NZ Supporting Partner
- Your partner must be eligible to support your application by completing a ‘Partnership Support Form for Residence.’
8. Relationship with Your Partner
- You and your partner must have been living together in a genuine and stable relationship for 12 months or more. Provide evidence of your relationship
9. Relationship with Family
- Dependent children must meet identity, health, and character requirements. They must be single and aged 24 or under.
10. Dependent Children Aged 21-24
- Dependent children aged 21-24 must rely on an adult for financial support.
11. Custody of Children 15 and Under
- You must have the legal right to remove dependent children from their home country.
How to apply for New Zealand Spouse Visa?
Application Process
- Your partner completes and signs a ‘Partnership Support Form for Residence.’
- Apply for your visa online, upload your documents, and pay applicable fees.
- We decide about your application. You will be notified if there are any further steps to take.
- Upon approval, travel to New Zealand within 12 months if you applied while overseas. You can travel in and out of New Zealand as often as you like until your travel conditions expire.
What is the processing time for the New Zealand Spouse / Partner Visa?
The processing time for the New Zealand Spouse / Partner Visa is as follows: 90% of applications are processed within 15 months. Please keep in mind that individual processing times may vary based on factors such as the completeness of your application, the location from where you are applying, and the volume of applications in the queue. It’s advisable to plan your visa application well in advance to ensure a timely process.
What are the documents required for the New Zealand Spouse Visa?
Document Requirements for the New Zealand Spouse/Partner Visa:
- Passport
- Marriage certificate (issued by the registrar’s office)
- Passport-size photograph
- Police certificates from your home country and any country where you’ve spent 12 months or more
- Documents providing your relationship, such as financial, household, and commitment evidence
- Qualification documents (recommended)
- Documents from your partner in New Zealand, including ID proof, address proof, financial documents, and character certificate
Ensure that all documents are genuine and in English or translated into English. Providing false information or documents can result in severe consequences, including a 10-year ban on applying for any visa.
What is the cost of Visa application for New Zealand Spouse Visa from India?
Immigration costs: NZD $3,610
