H6.15 Determining an application for a relationship-based visitor visa

H6.15.1 Principal applicants in a relationship with a New Zealander

1. A relationship-based visitor visa may be granted if an immigration officer is satisfied the applicant:
   1. is the citizen of a visa-waiver country (as per E2.1(n)); and
   2. meets the requirements of being of good health and character for temporary entry (as per A4 and A5); and
   3. is a bona fide applicant for temporary entry (as per E5); and
   4. meets funds or sponsorship requirements for visitors (as per V2.20); and
   5. has met the relationship requirements by:
      • having lived together with a New Zealand citizen or resident visa holder (see H6.15.1.1); and
      • currently being in a genuine and stable relationship with that New Zealand citizen or resident visa holder (see H6.15.1.1); and
   6. is requesting to travel for the purpose of reuniting with their New Zealand citizen or resident visa holder partner in New Zealand.
2. Applicants do not need to meet the following visitor visa requirements:
   1. length of maximum permitted stay (as per V2.5)
   2. onward travel requirements (as per V2.25).
3. The New Zealand citizen or resident visa holder partner who is supporting the application for a relationship-based visitor visa made by a person described in H6.15.1(a), must meet the character requirements for partners supporting ‘partnership-based temporary entry applications’ (see E7.45).

H6.15.1.1 Evidence of relationship

1. Evidence that the applicant is in a genuine and stable partnership with the New Zealand citizen or resident visa holder can include, but is not limited to:
   1. a description of the partnership, including details of any previous shared living arrangements.
   2. any supporting documentation that demonstrates their partnership (including marriage certificate or joint bank account)
   3. recent travel movements of the applicant and their New Zealand partner
   4. evidence that the New Zealand partner supports the applicant’s Request to Travel to New Zealand
   5. other evidence set out at E4.5.35(c).
2. Evidence that the applicant has lived together with the New Zealand citizen or resident visa holder can include, but is not limited to:
   1. joint ownership of residential property
   2. joint tenancy agreement or rent book or rental receipts
   3. correspondence (including postmarked envelopes) addressed to both principal applicant and partner at the same address.

H6.15.5 Dependent children included in an application

Dependent children included as secondary applicants in an application may be approved a visa if an immigration officer is satisfied:

1. the dependent child:
   1. is 19 years of age or younger; and
   2. meets the requirements of being of good health and character for temporary entry (as per A4 and A5); and
   3. meets the definition of ‘dependent child’ (as per E4.1.10)
   4. is a bona fide applicant for a temporary entry (as per E5); and
2. sufficient evidence of the relationship between the applicant and the child(ren) is provided as per E4.5.10; and
3. the dependent child’s parent’s (i.e. the principal applicant’s) visa is also approved (see E4.5.1(c)); and
4. the application meets the requirements set out at E4.1.15, which relate to the custody of children under the age of 16 years of age.

Effective 13/09/2021