INZ offers both temporary and residence visas based on partnership. These may include:
Partnership-based Visitor Visa
Partnership-based Work Visa
Partnership-based Resident Visa
The right visa for you depends on your partner’s immigration status (e.g., New Zealand citizen, resident, or temporary visa holder) and your own plans.
A partnership is recognised when two people are:
Living together in a genuine and stable relationship, and
Committed to sharing a life together, whether married, in a civil union, or in a de facto relationship.
INZ will look at factors such as:
How long you’ve been together
Living arrangements
Shared financial commitments
Social recognition of your relationship
Typical documents include:
Passports for both partners
Evidence of living together (e.g., tenancy agreements, utility bills)
Joint financial documents (bank accounts, insurance, loans)
Photos, travel records, or messages showing your relationship history
Statements from family and friends supporting your relationship
At Arch Immigration, we create a tailored evidence checklist so your case is clear, consistent, and credible.
A Partnership Work Visa is usually granted for up to 1–3 years depending on your partner’s status.
A Partnership Visitor Visa allows you to live with your partner in New Zealand for the visa duration (often up to 12 months, with the possibility of extensions).
A Partnership Residence Visa provides permanent settlement if eligibility is met.
Yes. If INZ refuses your application, we can:
Review the decision letter and identify weaknesses
Strengthen your evidence and re-apply
Assist with responding to Requests for Information (RFIs) or Potentially Prejudicial Information (PPI) letters
Advise you on appeal options where appropriate
Dependent children can usually be included, depending on their age and your partner’s visa status. We will guide you through the requirements and prepare the right evidence for your family.
Processing times vary depending on the type of partnership visa and the evidence provided:
Temporary visas (work/visitor): 2–5 months on average
Residence visas: 6–12 months (or longer if complex)
Well-prepared applications are often processed faster.