If your partner holds a valid New Zealand work visa or is a citizen/resident, you may be eligible for a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa—an open work permit that lets you work for any employer and study for up to three months. From 2 December 2024, the rules expanded, making it easier for genuine partners to obtain this visa. Here’s your definitive May 2025 guide.
What Is the Partner of a Worker Work Visa?
The Partner of a Worker Work Visa allows you to:
- Work anywhere in New Zealand without a job offer.
- Join your partner and stay for the same duration as their visa.
- Study for up to three months.
Your visa validity will match your partner’s work visa expiry date Immigration New Zealand.
Who Can Apply?
You qualify if:
- Your partner holds an eligible NZ work visa (e.g., Essential Skills, Accredited Employer Work Visa, Long-Term Skill Shortage).
- You’re in a genuine and stable partnership—married, in a civil union, or de facto.
- You live together at the same address.
- You meet health and character requirements (police clearance, medical exam if requested).
Note: Certain short-term work visas (Working Holiday, RSE, ≤ 6 months) do not qualify you to support a partner’s application Immigration New Zealand.
Updated Rules from December 2024
- Open Work Rights: All eligible partners now receive an open visa—no longer restricted to your partner’s occupation.
- Wider Support Base: Partners of AEWV holders are eligible provided their sponsor meets income and job criteria.
- Simplified Evidence: Reduced documentary burden if your partner’s visa details are verified by INZ records.
Also Check: Saudi Arabia Work Visa Process May 2025: Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Key Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Partnership Evidence | Shared lease/mortgage, joint bank accounts, utility bills, photos, affidavits |
| Partner’s Visa Status | Valid work visa of > 6 months, excluding Working Holiday or RSE visas Immigration New Zealand |
| Health & Character | Police certificate(s); medical exam if staying > 6 months |
| Financial Maintenance | No minimum funds if partner’s CoS certifies maintenance; otherwise NZD 1,000/month |
Application Fee & Processing Time
- Fee: From NZD 1,630 per applicant Immigration New Zealand.
- Processing Target: 80% of decisions within 6 weeks of application Immigration New Zealand.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Gather Documents
- Passport bio-page
- Proof of partnership (lease, bills, joint accounts)
- Partner’s visa details (copy of visa label or INZ log-in)
- Police certificates and medical report (if required)
- Apply Online or on Paper
- Online: Create an account at Immigration NZ and select Partner of a Worker Work Visa.
- Paper: Download and complete Form INZ 1014, then post to the relevant INZ office.
- Pay the Fee
- Use credit/debit card online or include payment receipt with paper application.
- Attend Biometric or Medical Appointment
- If requested, book a health exam at an approved clinic.
- Wait for Decision
- Track your application status online; INZ will notify you of any requests for more information.
- Receive Your Visa
- If approved, you’ll get a visa label or e-visa record; plan your travel and arrival accordingly.
FAQs
Q: Can I include children?
No—dependent children cannot be included on this application. They must apply separately.
Q: What if my partner changes jobs?
Your visa remains valid for its full term; no new application is needed.
Q: Can I apply while outside NZ?
Yes—apply offshore if joining your partner in New Zealand.
Q: Does this lead to residency?
While it’s a temporary work visa, time on this visa can count toward residency under some categories.