If your partner is a New Zealander (citizen or resident) with a valid work visa or resident status, you may qualify for the Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa in 2025. This open work permit lets you join your partner, work for any employer, and study for up to three months. Below, find everything you need—eligibility, documents, fees, and a clear, step-by-step application process.
What Is the Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa?
- Visa Type: Open work permit (Subclass PWV) for partners of New Zealand work visa holders or citizens/residents.
- Validity: Matches the duration of your partner’s current visa—up to 3 years maximum (if the partner holds a multi‐year visa).
- Benefits:
- Work rights: Unrestricted—work for any employer, any number of hours.
- Study rights: Study for up to 3 months; longer study requires a student visa.
- No employer sponsorship needed—your partner’s status is the basis for your permit.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa (2025), you must satisfy all the following:
- Your Partner’s Status
- Must hold a valid New Zealand work visa (e.g., Essential Skills, Accredited Employer Work Visa, Long‐Term Skill Shortage List) or be a New Zealand citizen/resident.
- Genuine and Stable Relationship
- Married or in a civil union registered in New Zealand or your home country or
- De facto (cohabiting in a genuine relationship) for at least 12 months.
- Provide evidence of cohabitation, shared finances, or joint responsibilities.
- Living Together
- You and your partner must reside at the same address.
- Document with joint leases, utility bills, or joint bank accounts.
- Health & Character Requirements
- Health: You may need a medical examination if your stay exceeds 6 months or if requested.
- Character: Police certificates from every country where you’ve lived 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
- Proof of Funds (if applicable)
- If your partner’s visa does not include a maintenance certification, show at least NZD 1,000 per month of intended stay (NZD 12,000 total for one year).
- If your partner certifies they can support you (via their work visa or permanent residency bond), your own funds are not required.
Also Check: Finland Work Visa Process June 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Required Documents
Gather these documents to strengthen your application:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport copy | Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned entry date. |
| Relationship Evidence | Marriage certificate or civil union; or De facto proof (photos, joint leases, affidavits). |
| Partner’s Visa or Citizenship Proof | Copy of partner’s current NZ visa label or NZ passport. |
| Cohabitation Proof | Shared lease, utility bills, joint bank statements, or mail addressed to both. |
| Police Certificates | From each country you’ve lived ≥ 12 months in the past 10 years. |
| Medical Certificate | If applying for a stay > 6 months—completed by an approved NZ panel physician. |
| Proof of Funds (if needed) | Bank statements or partner’s maintenance declaration. |
| Passport-style Photos | Two recent color photos (4 × 3 cm) on plain background. |
| Visa Application Form | Complete INZ 1014 (if applying on paper) or follow the online form. |
Tip: Translate any non-English documents using a certified translator and include both original and translated versions.
Fees & Processing Times
| Item | Fee (NZD) | Processing Time* |
|---|---|---|
| Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa (online) | 284 | 80% processed within 6 weeks |
| Partner Work Visa (paper application) | 334 | Slightly longer than online |
| Medical Exam (if required) | 100–200 | 1–2 weeks |
| Police Certificate (varies by country) | 50–100 | 2–4 weeks |
*Processing times can vary by season and completeness of application. Applying early helps avoid delays.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to secure your Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa in 2025:
Step 1: Check Your Partner’s Visa Status
- Verify your partner’s visa label or residence status (citizenship/residence card).
- Confirm their visa expiry date and type (Work to Residence, Skilled Migrant, Essential Skills, AEWV).
Step 2: Gather Relationship & Identity Documents
- Marriage/Civil Union Certificate or De facto evidence (e.g., joint leases, shared bills, affidavits).
- Passport and ID photos.
Step 3: Complete Health & Character Checks
- Medical Examination
- If intending to stay > 6 months, book an appointment with an Immigration NZ‐approved panel physician in your country.
- Tests include: chest X-ray, blood tests (HIV, syphilis), and general health check.
- Police Certificates
- Obtain a clearance certificate from each country where you lived for ≥ 12 months in the last 10 years.
- Certificates must be translated (if not in English) and notarized as required.
Step 4: Prepare Online or Paper Application
- Online (recommended):
- Create or log in to your Immigration NZ account.
- Select “Apply for a Visa,” choose “Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa.”
- Answer eligibility questions and upload electronic copies of all documents.
- Pay the NZD 284 fee via credit/debit card.
- Submit and note your application number.
- Paper Application:
- Download Form INZ 1014 from the Immigration NZ website.
- Complete the form in block letters, attach all certified copies, and photos.
- Pay the NZD 334 fee (bank draft or certified cheques).
- Post or deliver to your nearest Immigration NZ office or VLFC (Visa Application Centre).
Step 5: Await Processing & Respond to Requests
- Monitor your email and Immigration NZ account for any additional document requests.
- If police or medical certificates are missing, you will be asked to provide them—timely response avoids delays.
Step 6: Receive Visa Approval & Travel
- Upon approval, you’ll receive a Visa Verification Letter or an e-visa label.
- Plan travel to New Zealand—ensure you arrive before your partner’s visa expires.
- Upon arrival, show your visa letter or e-visa at Immigration for entry stamp.
Step 7: Check In & Activate Your Work Rights
- Report to your local Immigration NZ within 21 days if any address changes.
- You may begin working immediately—there are no employer restrictions.
- If planning to study > 3 months, apply separately for a Student Visa.
FAQs
Q: Can children come with me?
- No—dependent children must apply for separate dependent child visas or join on a Student Guardian visa if under 18.
Q: What if my partner’s visa changes or expires?
- You must hold a valid visa at all times. If your partner obtains permanent residency, you can transition to a Partner of a Resident Visa.
Q: Can I study full-time?
- You may study up to 3 months on this visa. For longer courses, apply for a Student Visa.
Q: Can I extend this visa?
- This visa’s length equals your partner’s visa. If they extend or renew their work visa, you can apply to extend alongside them.