If you want to learn about Partnership Residence Visa, you've come to the right place.
This guide has everything you need to understand the basics of Partnership Residence Visa. You'll also find links to useful resources from our blog and video throughout, so you can plan your next steps. If you still have questions, contact Immigration Lawyer NZ.
What is a Partnership Residence Visa?
If you are a partner of a New Zealandcitizen or resident, then you may be able to apply under the Family visa categorybased on that relationship that will, upon approval, allow you to live in New Zealand permanently as a resident. Let's take a look at what's involved.
How does it work?
If you have a "genuine and stable relationship" with a New Zealand resident or citizen, then you may be able to apply for a partnership visa residence under this category. You will need to have lived together forat least 12 months, and your relationship with your supporting partner must be genuine and stable. Regardless of whether you have been living together for several years or have children from the relationship, Immigration New Zealand will still want to see documents that will back up your claim, so ensure that you keep a record of relevant paperwork. Under the Partnership Category, you will need to satisfy each of the following requirements: It is not a mandatory requirement for you to be holding a temporary partner visa based on the relationship. You may hold a New Zealand visa under a different category, e.g. a visitor visa, student visa (to study in New Zealand) oran accredited employer work visa, and you may still be eligible to apply for a residence visa under the partnership. Most people choose to get a partnership work visa as that gives you a lot of flexibility.
What are the requirements of a Partner Residence Visa?
General requirements include paying the correct application fee, using the prescribedImmigration NZ form, meeting health/character requirements, and being a 'bona fide' (genuine) applicant. You and your partner must have been living together for 12 months or more in a partnership that isgenuine and stable. It is not a requirement that you be married to the sponsoring partner. The term 'partnership' includes legal marriages, civil unions and de facto relationships. You will need to provide plenty of evidence to the immigration officer to demonstrate that you meet this requirement. While applying for a family categoryvisa: Your NZ citizen or resident visa holder sponsoringpartner will need to satisfy the following requirements: Meeting the above requirements will mean that you will be eligible for a partnership visa (residence). The kind of evidence you should provide to Immigration New Zealand is as follows: If you have spent time living away from each other, whether it be due to employment, education or COVID-19, you will need to pay extra attention to providing communication evidence during that time period to show how you maintained the relationship while living apart.General
Relationship
Sponsoring partner
Evidence
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How much does it cost?
Theapplication fee for a partnership-based residenceapplicationis $2,750 if you apply while in New Zealand, and $3,610 if you lodge the partnership visaapplication from offshore. Other costs might include the cost of getting an eMedical done (i.e. general medical and/or chest x-ray) if your last provided eMedical has expired. There may be translation costs involved if you live offshore with your partner and your evidence is in a non-English language. That can be quite costly, mainly because you have to supply at least 12 months' worth of evidence. If you are in New Zealand and your temporary visa is going to expire while the residence visa is ongoing, you will have to factor in the cost of a new temporary visa application. You will need a current visa; otherwise, INZ will stop assessing the New Zealand residence application until you get a newvisa.
What is the process for a Partner-Based Residence Visa
Check if you meet the eligibility criteria and also your partner's eligibility to provide sponsorship. For example, you will really need to pay attention to what kind of evidence can be provided to Immigration New Zealand. A lack of evidence can lead to an unsuccessful outcome. Gather the requisite information that you will provide to Immigration as part of the partnership application. Your partner will need tocomplete the sponsorship formand have the declaration witnessed by a lawyer or a JP. If you are applying on paper form, you will need tofind the correct form for partnership based residence visa application. If applying online, you will need to create a RealMe account. Scan your supporting documents and convert them into PDF files. Ensure that each PDF file remains under 10MB in size. Additionally, make sure your passport-sized photo ("mugshot") is in jpeg format. As you make your way through the online application process, you will eventually arrive at the payment stage. At this point, you will need to make the correct fee amount. Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, China UnionPay, Amex, JCB, and POLi (internet banking). After you've finished filling out the application and successfully made the required payment, your visa application will be submitted. Immigration New Zealand will provide further guidance if any additional actions are needed.Step 1: Assess eligibility
Step 2: Compile documents
Step 3: Prepare the application
Step 4: Upload required documents
Step 5: Make payment
Step 6: Submit your visa application
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What is the processing time?
A partner of a New Zealander resident visa application typically followsa timeline of six to twelve monthsfrom the moment of submission to a final decision. In some cases, this process may extend beyond the usual timeframe, particularly when additional steps are necessary, including but not limited to a National Security Check by INZ, questions arising regarding the application, or a request for you and your partner to participate in an interview.
What happens when the Partner Resident Visa is granted?
Once you are granted a residence visa and you've completed two years of residence in New Zealand, you'll become eligible to apply for a permanent resident visa once you meet the specified time spent in New Zealand requirement. When the visa is approved, the permanent resident visa allows you tolive in New Zealand indefinitely. If your resident visa was granted while you are outside New Zealand, you will have 12 months' time to arrive in New Zealand to activate the visa. If you have been living together outside of New Zealand for over five years, and your partner is a New Zealand citizen, you may be eligible to apply for a permanentvisa immediately. This means you will be able to stay outside New Zealand for as long as you want and always be able to travel to New Zealand as a resident. However, this route may require more extensive documentation, as you will need to provide evidence spanning a period of five years.
Can children be included in a Partnership-Based Resident Visa?
You have the option to include dependent children in your partnership resident visa application if you have children from a previous relationship. These children should be financially dependent on you. If the child is not of legal age, you will need to furnish appropriate documentation to prove that you have the exclusive legal authority to decide whether the child can reside in New Zealand or that you have obtained the necessary consent from the other parent.
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't have to be married. As long as the relationship is genuine and stable, and you have evidence to support that, a partnership will be sufficient.
If it is irreconcilable and you have permanently parted ways, the application will likely be declined. Also, if you have a partnership-based visa, you will need to switch to a different type of visa.
If the sponsoring partner is an Australian citizen, then you have to both live together in New Zealand. If your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident visa holder, then you can apply while living offshore.
No, there is no English language requirement. Even if your English is not fluent, you can still be granted a resident visa if you meet the partnership requirements.
If you are travelling together or if you are travelling by yourself for a short trip, it will be okay, but if you spend too much time away from your partner in New Zealand and maintain two separate residences, things can get a bit tricky.
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Related articles
- How to Write a Winning Genuine Relationship Letter for Immigration
Related INZ forms
- INZ 1000 - Residence Application
- INZ 1178 - Partnership Support Form for Residence
- INZ 1242 - Resident Visa Declaration Form
Related IPT decisions
- GR (Partnership) [2020] NZIPT 205872
- BM (Malaysia) [2020] NZIPT 505020
- FX (Partnership) [2020] NZIPT 205782
- AW (SSRV) [2020] NZIPT 205561
- BP (Partnership) [2019] NZIPT 205435
- AB (Partnership) [2019] NZIPT 205214
- GT (Partnership) [2020] NZIPT 205879
- MP (Partnership) [2022] NZIPT 206411
- LU (Partnership) [2022] NZIPT 206374
- KZ (Partnership) [2021] NZIPT 206285
- NY (Partnership) [2022] NZIPT 206460
- MX (Partnership) [2022] NZIPT 206429
- NS (Partnership) [2022] NZIPT 206449
- IC (Partnership) [2021] NZIPT 205944
- GV (Partnership) [2020] NZIPT 205831