Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa

To qualify for this pathway, you must meet strict criteria regarding your relationship, your partner’s status, and your personal background.

Relationship Requirements

• Genuine and Stable: You must prove your relationship is "genuine and stable." This applies to legal marriages, civil unions, and de facto (unmarried) relationships, regardless of gender.
• The 12-Month Rule: You must have lived together in a common home for at least 12 months at the time you submit your application. Time spent dating, "living apart together," or being married without cohabiting does not count toward this threshold.
• Minimum Age: Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old. If you are 16 or 17, you must have the formal support of a parent or guardian.
• In-Person Meeting: You must have met your partner in person before applying; online-only relationships do not qualify.

Supporting Partner Requirements

Your partner acts as your sponsor and must meet the following "eligible sponsor" criteria:

• Legal Status: They must be a New Zealand citizen or hold a resident-class visa.
• Sponsorship History: A New Zealander can only support two partners for residence in their lifetime. Furthermore, there must be a gap of at least five years since they last supported a partner for a resident visa.
• Stand-down Period: If your partner gained their own New Zealand residence through a partnership visa, they cannot sponsor you until five years have passed since they became a resident.
• Character: Your partner must not have certain convictions related to domestic violence or sexual offenses.

Applicant Requirements

• Health and Character: You must provide medical certificates and police clearances to prove you meet New Zealand’s health and character standards.
• Intent: You must demonstrate a clear intention to live in New Zealand permanently with your partner.