V3.15 Partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders (29/11/2010)

Partners (see E4.1.10) of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders may be granted a visitor visa provided that:

1. they are living together in a genuine and stable relationship (see E4.5.1 and E4.1.30); and
2. the New Zealand partner intends to be in New Zealand during the same period of time applied for by the applicant; and
3. the New Zealand partner supports the application; and
   1. complies with the minimum requirements for recognition of partnerships (see E4.1.10(b) and F2.15); and
   2. meets the character requirement for partners supporting 'partnership-based temporary entry applications' set out at E7.45.

V3.15.1 Instructions on duration of visas for partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders

1. Provided an immigration officer is satisfied the principal applicant and New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder (see E4.5.1 and E4.5.5) partner are living together in a partnership that is genuine and stable, the duration of any visa granted under these instructions is dependent on the duration of their partnership.
2. If the partnership has existed for less than 12 months at the time the application is assessed, then the first visa granted under these instructions must not exceed 12 months from date of arrival in New Zealand. Further visas may be granted upon application for up to a maximum of two years from date of arrival if:
   1. during the validity of the first visa an application for residence under Family category, Partnership instructions is made and the principal applicant wishes to remain in New Zealand pending a decision on their application; or
   2. the couple wish to spend more time in New Zealand and an immigration officer is satisfied they are still living together in a genuine and stable partnership.
3. If the partnership has existed for 12 months or more at the time the application is assessed, then a visitor visa may be granted for the length of their intended stay, up to a maximum of 2 years from the date of their arrival in New Zealand.

V3.15.5 New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder partner must be eligible to support under Partnership instructions

1. When determining the eligibility of the New Zealand partner to support a partnership-based visitor visa application, immigration officers must consider whether the New Zealand resident partner will be eligible to support a partnership-based residence class visa application (see F2.10.10) within 12 months of the applicant’s intended date of arrival in New Zealand.
2. If the New Zealand partner would not be eligible to support a partnership-based residence class visa application within 12 months of the applicant’s intended date of arrival in New Zealand, the application for the visitor visa may be declined. (see F2.10.10)

V3.15.10 Evidential requirements for partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders

1. Immigration officers must sight evidence of the following:
   1. the supporting partner's New Zealand citizenship or New Zealand residence status; and
   2. the applicant’s relationship with their New Zealand partner; and
   3. that the applicant and their New Zealand partner are living together in a genuine and stable partnership at the time the application is made (see F2.20 for the type of evidence required); and
   4. the Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications (INZ 1146) completed by the New Zealand partner; and
   5. that the applicant and their New Zealand partner are intending to live in New Zealand for the same period of time.
2. If requested by an immigration officer, applicants must also provide a written declaration from their New Zealand partner confirming:
   1. they are eligible to support; or
   2. they comply with the minimum requirements for recognition of partnerships (see E4.1.15b and F2.15).

Effective 29/11/2010