Check if you qualify for a family violence visa
You may be able to apply for a visa to work or live in New Zealand if you have been affected by family violence.
How we define family violence
We recognise family violence as any abuse towards you by someone you live with, who is family or close to you, that may:
- control you or force you to do something you do not want to
- cause you harm.
Types of abuse
Abuse can be an isolated event or a pattern of behaviour. It can be physical, sexual or psychological.
It can include:
- harassment, isolation, threats or other behaviour to scare you
- financial, economic or dowry abuse
- damage to property or abuse of pets.
You can get help from the police, government and community organisations if you or someone you know is experiencing family violence.
Services and support for family violence | New Zealand Government
You must have been living in a family relationship with the abuser
To be eligible to apply for the victims of family violence visas, you must have:
- been living with the abuser, and
- had what we call a 'family relationship' with them — this means they need to have been your partner, another family member, or someone close to you.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this visa, your partner must have been a New Zealand citizen or resident, or you must hold a partnership-based visa with another temporary migrant.
You can apply for the victims of family violence visas even if your partner was not the person abusing you.
Visas you can apply for
Victims of Family Violence Work Visa
You can apply for the Victims of Family Violence Work Visa if your partner was a New Zealand citizen or resident, or you hold a partnership-based visa with a temporary migrant.
Victims of Family Violence Work Visa
Victims of Family Violence Resident Visa
You can apply for the Victims of Family Violence Residence Visa if your partner was a New Zealand citizen or resident.