Generally, you must have lived together for at least 6 months, but this can vary. We help you assess and prepare based on your specific situation.
Navigating the partnership visa process can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to guide you and your partner through every stage of your application, ensuring your relationship is clearly and confidently presented to Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Whether you’re applying for work or a residency visa based on your partnership, our licensed advisers provide tailored support to help you reunite or remain together in New Zealand.
Note: We are not a recruitment agency, and we do not provide job-hunting or placement services. You must already have a job offer from a New Zealand employer before we can assist with work visa support
A partnership visa allows you to join your partner in New Zealand, whether they’re a citizen, resident, or holder of a temporary visa (such as a work or student visa). INZ defines a partnership as ‘2 people, who live together in a genuine and stable relationship in a legal marriage, a civil union or a de facto relationship.
INZ will assess your relationship to ensure it is genuine and stable, and you must supply certain evidence to support your partnership. Depending on your partner’s status, you may qualify for a:
At Immigration Wise, we understand that every couple’s situation is unique. That’s why we provide custom advice to ensure you apply under the correct category, with the necessary documents, from the outset.
Applying for a partnership visa in NZ is more than just ticking boxes, but also about telling your story clearly, legally and persuasively. We ensure that INZ has a complete understanding of your relationship, so you can both achieve the outcome you deserve.
First, we'll work with you to review your relationship timeline, living situation and immigration history to determine the best visa path and identify potential risks early.
We'll help you compile strong evidence to support your application, including joint finances, communication history, photos, shared responsibilities and more.
We'll submit your application through the correct channels and monitor its progress. If Immigration NZ requests any more information, we'll prepare your response promptly to avoid delays.
Photos and a chat history often aren't enough evidence on their own. We'll help you prepare a detailed timeline, relationship narrative and supporting documents that meet INZ's legal standards.
If you have previously lived together for a reasonable period, that's a bonus. If not, we can help you show proof of your plans to do so, including any travel history and future commitments to support your case.
Many applications are declined due to incomplete information or insufficient evidence. With Immigration Wise, we provide a second set of expert eyes to ensure everything is accurate.
From student visas to employer accreditations and permanent residency, we’ve helped over 1,000 clients take the next step toward a better future in New Zealand.
"Thank you so much for your help during INZ’s post-approval check of my employer accreditation compliance. Your team also provided clear guidance on the AEWV process, accreditation renewal and job check, ensuring we stay fully compliant. I truly appreciate the support. I was able to retain my migrant workers’ employment successfully. Highly recommended for anyone needing employer accreditation or job check services in NZ!"
"I'm so grateful for the hard work your team put into my student visa application. You made the entire process so simple and convenient. Thanks to your support, I arrived in New Zealand before my course start date. I’d definitely recommend your team to any student needing visa help."
"After such a long wait, the visa has finally been granted! We couldn’t have done it without you. Your team was patient and professional throughout the entire partnership visa process. Thank you for helping us secure our New Zealand residency. We truly appreciate everything you’ve done!"
Have questions? Let’s tackle them one by one.
Generally, you must have lived together for at least 6 months, but this can vary. We help you assess and prepare based on your specific situation.
Yes, though more documentation is required. We help couples in long-distance partnerships build strong cases with communication history, interdependence signs and future plans.
It depends on the visa type and completeness of your application. Processing time can range from 2 to 6 months or more.
Absolutely. New Zealand recognises same-sex relationships under the same legal conditions as heterosexual partnerships.
You may still be eligible for a partner-based visa that matches their visa type (e.g. work or student). We’ll help you choose the right one.