A partner can only get a relationship-based visa if their partnership meets immigration requirements. Along with this, whether a partner can get a Work visa or a Visitor visa depends on whether the couple has lived together long enough to show genuineness and stability.
For culturally arranged marriages, where the pair cannot cohabit before they marry, the pathway becomes convoluted as government's stance on this matter changes time to time. Culturally married applicants can get a visitor visa if they can prove their relationship was genuine, stable, and credible, even if they did not live together for a substantive period. The government's discretion here was made to recognise the cultural restraints around cohabitation.
For residence applications, 12 months of living together are mandatory.
Spouse/Family Visa
Family/Spouse Visa Options in New Zealand
New Zealand offers a range of family visa options to help partners, children, parents, and even grandparents reunite with their loved ones. These visas may fall under visitor, work, or residence categories, depending on the applicant’s relationship with a New Zealand resident, citizen, or temporary visa holder.
These visas are designed for those who are dependent on a New Zealand-based family member, whether they hold a temporary work or student visa, or are permanent residents or citizens. However, it’s important to understand that dependent relationships must meet specific legal requirements, and applicants must provide credible documentation to support their relationship.
Types of Family Visas Offered by Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
- Partner of a Worker/Student or New Zealander Visa – Can be a visitor or work visa, depending on eligibility.
- Dependent Child Visas – Either visitor or student visas for children of a worker, student, or New Zealander.
- Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visas – Short-term visas allowing family visits.
- Parent Resident Visa – For parents of New Zealand citizens or residents who meet specific eligibility criteria.
- Parent Retirement Resident Visa – For older parents who can demonstrate financial independence and investment.
Choosing the Right Visa
Selecting the appropriate family visa depends on several factors, such as your relationship, dependency level, financial situation, and the immigration status of the New Zealand-based family member. Each visa category has its own set of eligibility criteria.
For example:
- Partnership visas often require proof of living together for a certain period.
- Parent resident visas require the sponsoring child to meet an income threshold.
Carefully comparing your options and understanding the specific requirements will help ensure a smooth application process.
Frequently asked Questions
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Partner Visas
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Dependent Children Visas
"Dependency" age rules for children are different for temporary visas and residence. A child up to the age of 19 can be considered a dependent on their parent for temporary visas. Whereas this age is 24 for residence, with additional conditions for 21–24-year-old dependents.
For 19-year-old or younger children with an Essential Skills Work Visa or Accredited Employer Work Visa, the parent must meet income thresholds.
Dependent children are treated as domestic students and do not pay international student tuition fees. -
Parent and Grandparent Visas
Children have several options for bringing their parents to New Zealand.
The Parent Retirement Resident visa is less common due to high investment funding requirements.
The Parent and Grandparent visitor visa allows a stay of up to 6 months at a time, with a maximum total stay of 18 months in 3 years.
The Parent Resident visa scheme was restarted in November 2022 after six years. The requirements have been changed with an emphasis on the sponsoring child's income. An Expression of Interest (EOI) needs to be submitted. Eligible EOIs then go into a ballot and those chosen will be invited to apply for residency.
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